Austrian crossover legends Kontrust have released their second new single, the standout track “the end”, off of their upcoming fifth full-length, set to be released on November 3, 2023 via Napalm Records. On the band’s first album in nine years, Kontrust present new vocalist Julia Ivanova and new drummer Joey Sebald, who already won over live audiences in the summer of 2022 at huge festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest Open Air, Barcelona Rockfest and Resurrection Fest.


“the end” is out alongside a creative animated music video that supports the dystopian lyrics of the song. While still featuring massive rhythms and a sing-along chorus, “the end” showcases that despite their overall positive attitude and party mentality, Kontrust don’t shy away from focusing on serious themes, like escaping the devastation of earth to possibly aim for a new beginning. Check out the new video below.


Kontrust on “the end”:   




“We regret to announce that this is the end of everything as you know it. We spiral into chaos and in a desperate attempt for survival, we try to grasp at that which gives us hope. You can’t run or hide. Simply let go and embrace it.”


On madworld, Kontrust sticks to their lively, playful and experimental signature style, ready to entertain old and new audiences alike. Extremely danceable “madhouse” and “rock to outer space” feature heavy riffs and party pop vocals. The latter showcases that, despite the overall positive attitude and party mentality, Kontrust don’t shy away from focusing on serious themes, like escaping the devastation of earth to possibly aim for a new beginning. That feeling continues with the standout track “the end”, slowing it down halfway through madworld, while still providing massive rhythms and a sing-along chorus. With heavy and catchy “lederhosen overkill” the Austrians tap into their well-known stage attire. Electronic influences on closing track “i can’t control it” absorb the listener before the album fades out.


Without a shadow of a doubt, Kontrust are one of the most extravagant and exciting acts in the scene, and have enthralled fans and critics alike with an inimitable sense of fusing various genres like reggae, pop and dance with heavy hard rock riffs, spliced with their very own way of representing the roots of their home country. This synthesis of styles has brought them not only notable chart entries for several releases, but also high recognition in the form of the “Austrian Newcomer Award” for their debut album, as well as the “AMADEUS Austrian Music Award” - Austria’s biggest and most important prize for national bands and artists - for their second album, Time To Tango.


Throughout their two decade-spanning career, the Austrian based outfit has gained millions and millions of YouTube views on their exciting music videos, with over 15 million views on the electrifying hits “Hey DJ!” and “Bomba” alone. With their new album, madworld, Kontrust prove their standing as an unpredictable force in the scene - always hungry, wild and full of surprises, and ready to exceed everything they have achieved so far!


Kontrust add: "In a world already spinning out of control, we've cranked up the madness to 11 on madworld. This audacious venture marks a milestone for us, as we proudly present our first entirely self-produced album. It's a sonic storm like no other, where vibrant sounds clash and blend in a symphony of controlled chaos - embrace the sensory overload and prepare to be swept away by a unique excess of Kontrust that will leave you thirsting for more."





madworld will be available in the following formats:


- 1LP Gatefold Transparent Green
- 1LP Gatefold Transparent Orange
- Shirt & 1-CD Digipack Bundle
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





madworld tracklisting:        


"i physically like you"
"madhouse"
"rock to outer space"
"black soul"
"criminal"
"the end"
"pulling"
"lederhosen overkill"
"masterpiece of a monster"
"u.f.i.u."
"i can't control it"


"the end" video:





"i physically like you" video:





Kontrust is:


Julia Ivanova - Vocals
Stefan Lichtenberger - Vocals
Michael Wolff - Guitar / Programmings
Gregor Kutschera - Bass
Johannes Sebald - Drums
Manuel Haglmüller - Percussions / Programmings


(Photo - Andreas Rager)

Riot: A band name that makes every metalhead's mind ring alert - in a positive way for sure. Many iconic musicians and bands listing them as an important influence, the New York City based group have definitely paved the way for the hard 'n' heavy scene essentially. Their early musical steps - Rock City [1977], Narita [1979], Fire Down Under [1981] and Restless Breed [1982] to only name a few - made them grow vastly, following an artist development from hard rock to more metal sounds what resulted in their most iconic record, Thundersteel [1988].


The band's path was unfortunately also marked by many strokes of fate which led to significant lineup changes. Especially the death of founding member Mark Reale made a big impact on the group and eventually Reale's Thundersteel bandmate and songwriting partner Don Van Stavern decided to continue the legacy and came up with an idea out of respect to add "V" (Roman numeral five) for the 5th chapter of the group as well as the recorded singer.


2013 was the year that Riot V was born! The outfit kept writing and releasing music honouring their legacy - more successfully than ever before. The musical foundation titled Unleash The Fire was followed by another furious album that even made Riot V hit the official German album chart for the very first time in their prominent history (Armor Of Light [2018] reached position 27). A success album that didn't only give them the opportunity to play around the world, but also let their fans become hungry for more. More indeed is what the band have prepared in recent times. Heavy metal warriors around the world, Riot V are proud to announce that new music is finally coming your way and that they have signed to new label home Atomic Fire Records in order to present their new record to the world in the best possible way.




Original Thundersteel bassist/songwriter Donnie Van Stavern who currently manages and handles affairs for the band states: "Metal warriors, I'm pleased to announce that we have signed with the mighty Atomic Fire Records! Markus Wosgien and Flori Milz are not only label reps but friends and know our vision for the future of the band! We recorded in New York/Texas/Michigan, and mixed in New Jersey by Bruno Ravel [Danger Danger] who produced the comeback Immortal Soul and mastered in Germany by Bart Gabriel. Look for the new release in early 2024 as we just finished it as we speak and it will be another crusher!"


Atomic Fire Records A&R Markus Wosgien raves: "We're incredibly proud to re-unite with Riot V! After parts of our team had been working on their Armor Of Light campaign, we're even happier that the band have decide to continue their path with the same crew. Riot V are definitely one of the greats and only get better with age, although they've released so many true classics throughout their long-time career, starting in 1976, my year of birth. It's a special magic connecting Donnie, Mike, Todd, Frank and Nick that actually makes every new record a milestone of the group's history, and in my opinion, they're one of the very best heavy metal acts of all time which is set to deliver yet another excellent opus with their upcoming album."


With the mighty Atomic Fire Records behind the band and with many more releases to come, and with reissues on Sony Music, EMI Records and Metal Blade Records, Riot V are consistently on radio and metal charts worldwide as well as being a part of 'New York City's Top 20 Most Influential Metal Bands,' '100 Best Metal Albums Of All Time,' '100 Best Metal Bands Of All Time' and numerous mentions on VH1's That Metal Show with Eddie Trunk and staff sighting Riot as one of the innovaters of metal music in America and beyond and 2018 saw Riot inducted into the Metal Hall Of Fame with the likes of Ronnie James Dio, Randy Rhoads, Lemmy Kilmister, Black Sabbath just to name a few.


Riot V truely are metal soldiers and will keep marching and fighting the good fight to bring you the music you've come to know, love and expect... ARE YOU READY TO RIOT?


Riot V live:


September
28 - Madison, WI - Blades of Steel Metalfest 3 @ Crucible
29 - Lombard, IL - Brauer House


October
14 - Garden Grove, CA - Gates of Metal @ Garden Amphitheatre


Riot V are:


Todd Michael Hall - vocals
Mike Flyntz - guitars
Nick Lee - guitars
Don Van Stavern - bass
Frank Gilchriest - drums


(Photo Collage Credit: Randy Caballero | Doug Julien | Anthony Lopardo)

For three decades, singer Wade Black has triumphed and stayed metal, recording and touring internationally in bands such as Crimson Glory, Leatherwolf, Seven Witches, Leash Law, and Chalice Of Sin. Now, Wade Black is ready to celebrate 25 years of the monster Crimson Glory album, Astronomica, with a new album of original material.


Astronomica's new album will be produced by the master of metal, Chris Boltendahl (Grave Digger, Chris Boltendahl's Steelhammer) for a release in 2024. Stay tuned for further details.


Join Astronomica in March as the band blasts off with their show at the mighty Up The Hammers Festival, taking place March 7-9 in Athens, Greece.




Astronomica's lineup also includes:


Rich Marks - Lead Guitar (War Of Thrones, Vivaldi Metal Project, Holmes And Slice)
Kyle Sokol - Bass (Nocturnus Ad, Apeiron Bound)
Ryan Bales - Rhythm Guitar (Avenging Benji)
Luca Caracciolo - Drums (Halcyon Way, Materdea, Kee Marcelo)

Finland's Progeny Of Sun have released their second single, "False Radiance", from the upcoming debut album, Throne of Desolation.  The album is set to be released on December 8th via Inverse Records. 





Guitarist Hauta comments: "In rehearsals, our drummer always wants the guitars to be louder in the in-ear monitoring. That's how I got the idea for a song where the drummer would have to play completely on his own, and if he concentrates on the guitars, game over. The song didn't raise great enthusiasm for the singer at first, but as soon as he got his own voice in, he started to like it. Bass was executed normally."







Tracklist:


"Forged by the Devil"
"Damsel"
"Heartless Dome"
"Caldera"
"False Radiance"
"Dweller"
"Coward"
"Invasion"
"Courier"
"Restoration"
"Human Disposal Site"
"War of the Ages"


"Damsel" video

The impact of Swiss extreme metal forefathers HELLHAMMER is one that still resonates around the global metal scene today, such was their influence on the early extreme, death, and black metal genres. In the 40 years that have passed since their humble beginnings in Nurensdorf, Switzerland, in May 1982, they have gained a mythically iconic status despite existing for a mere two years. However, the band left a highly influential body of work behind, including the three demos "Death Fiend", "Satanic Rites" and "Triumph Of Death" (al re-released in 2008 as the "Demon Entrails" demo retrospective),the seminal "Apocalyptic Raids" EP, and two tracks from the legendary "Death Metal" compilation. In light of this legacy, it is almost inconceivable that HELLHAMMER never performed this music on stage.

CELTIC FROST, the successor group formed by HELLHAMMER founding member Tom Gabriel Fischer (a.k.a. Tom Gabriel Warrior) and former HELLHAMMER bassist Martin Eric Ain, would sporadically play a HELLHAMMER song or two, and Warrior's current band, TRIPTYKON, have played the occasional HELLHAMMER song live, but the vast body of HELLHAMMER's work remained unperformed, until the inception of TRIUMPH OF DEATH. In 2019 Tom Gabriel Warrior stated: "HELLHAMMER will never return and will never be reformed. It is absolutely impossible to reform a band so closely linked to a very specific and unique period in time. But HELLHAMMER's music exists, and it is an extremely important part of my life's path. And I would like to play it onstage before my demise."

The resurrection of the music of HELLHAMMER had been an idea Tom Gabriel Warrior and Martin Eric Ain discussed for many years, sparked not least by their renewed collaboration in the reformed CELTIC FROST in the 2000s. The first steps towards the realization of TRIUMPH OF DEATH, named after HELLHAMMER's most infamous song and intended to be a very respectful and authentic tribute to HELLHAMMER, were finally taken in 2014, and the band was officially founded in autumn of 2018. TRIUMPH OF DEATH consists of individuals who not only love the music in question but truly understand it. The lineup emulates HELLHAMMER's final incarnation of April/May 1984, when the group had added an additional guitarist. To date TRIUMPH OF DEATH has performed numerous notable concerts globally and has brought the seminal music of HELLHAMMER to fans both old and new, many of whom thought they may never see it live on stage.

Due on November 10 via Noise/BMG, TRIUMPH OF DEATH's debut live release, "Resurrection Of The Flesh", is the culmination of three concerts. Recorded in the spring of 2023 at Hell's Heroes festival in Houston USA, Dark Easter Metal Meeting in Munich, Germany and SWR Barroselas Metal Fest in Portugal, the album was produced by Tom Gabriel Warrior and TRIPTYKON's V. Santura. The record captures the band at their primeval finest; raw, foreboding and heavy. The songs may date back four decades but here they are revealed to be still just as vital today as when they were written in the band's infamous rehearsal bunker in the rural village of Birchwil, Switzerland in the early 1980s. From the thunderous opening chords of "Third Of The Storms (Evoked Damnation)" to the malevolent, morbid feedback of set closer "Triumph Of Death", this album is a sixty-minute document of the overwhelming power of the live performance of TRIUMPH OF DEATH, and it captures the spirit and intensity of these historic songs that have transcended decades to become revered and timeless.

Warrior says: "This album is, most importantly, testament to the unique connection that exists between the audience and this band. hellhammer's music was an underground token in 1982 to 1984, often ridiculed and shunned, and we owe the fact that we are now able to perform it all across the globe entirely to grace, openness, and enthusiasm of those who make exactly these concerts possible. They give us as much as we given them, and my gratitude to them knows no limits."

TRIUMPH OF DEATH is:

Tom Gabriel Warrior - voice/guitar
André Mathieu - guitar/vocals
Jamie Lee Cussigh - bass
Tim Iso Wey - drums

"Resurrection Of The Flesh" track listing:

01. The Third Of The Storms (Evoked Damnation)
02. Massacra
03. Maniac
04. Blood Insanity
05. Decapitator
06. Crucifixion
07. Reaper
08. Horus/Aggressor
09. Revelations Of Doom
10. Messiah
11. Visions Of Mortality
12. Triumph Of Death

Bonus 7" song (super deluxe edition only)

13. Decapitator (Live In Houston)

GOODNIGHT, TEXAS has a new single, "Runaways", dropping later this month, but 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" will be released on September 27 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

Brian Johnson's favorite singer, Greg Billings, appears on the latest episode of the "AC/DC Beyond the Thunder" episode, discussing his long-lasting friendship with the fellow Floridian, their many duets together, and even touching upon Johnson's darkest days with AC/DC.

"I just spent the week with Brian, and he's all excited about the Power Trip show," says Billings, reminding listeners that the AC/DC lead singer will turn 76 just two days before taking the stage at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, next month. "He's been getting in shape. He's so fired up. They're going to rehearse for five weeks doing nothing but playing."

The Power Trip festival is set to take place on October 6-8, featuring METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN, GUNS N' ROSES, TOOL, JUDAS PRIEST and AC/DC's first live appearance since 2016. Ozzy Osbourne was scheduled to perform, but canceled his appearance less than three months prior to the event due to ongoing health issues.

Billings reflects on his journey with Johnson, saying, "People started comparing my voice to Bon Scott." He adds, "Brian's wife [Brenda] was a big fan of [my previous band] STRANGER and finally brought Brian out, and we've been buddies ever since."

During the episode, Billings discusses and listens to the several duets that he and Brian Johnson recorded over the years, including a ballad written by Johnson for his wife about forgetting Valentine's Day. Billings notes, "It showed a great side of Brian because he's a soulful kind of guy as well, and a lot of people had not heard that side of Brian.

Billings also shared insights into a challenging period in Johnson's life, stating, "Brian was down. He was in a bad place, man. He couldn't hear. He had some surgeries."

After several attempts, Billings convinced the AC/DC frontman to get back in the saddle to sing a song that fit Brian Johnson's situation perfectly on another duet called "Old Friends Don't Come Easy". "I told him, ‘You need to come out of your house and let people know that you're still alive. You can still do this.'"

Billings remarks, "I was proud of Brian for getting up and doing that. He really appreciated the opportunity. It was a big moment for me and I think it was a big moment for Brian as well, and a good shot in the arm for him to be able to pull that song off."

Billings, known for playing with an impressive roster of musicians, originally hails from North Carolina and made a name for himself in Florida by playing beach bars and nightclubs. In the 1980s, he formed the rowdy Southern rock band STRANGER, which opened for nationally acclaimed acts like TRIUMPH, QUIET RIOT, UFO, MOLLY HATCHET and more. Billings later formed the GREG BILLINGS BAND (GBB) in 2003, a band known for its fusion of rock, soul, and rhythm and blues classics.

Besides his notable work with the AC/DC frontman, Billings has also worked with other music legends, including Rick Derringer, Robin Zander of CHEAP TRICK, members of Paul McCartney's band, and Donald "Duck" Dunn, of the Blues Brothers fame.

In addition to his music career, Billings created the podcast "What The Hell Have I Done?" as a retrospective look at his extensive music career.

"AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" has consistently delivered compelling and thought-provoking conversations with notable guests, and this episode promises to be no exception. With its combination of lively banter, exclusive stories, and insider knowledge, the podcast has become a must-listen for fans craving a deeper understanding of the powerhouse that is AC/DC.

Fueled by listener donations, "AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" is a non-profit organization, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Make-A-Wish and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundations.

"AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" podcast is now available for streaming on all platforms and at www.BeyondTheThunder.com.

In a new interview with Monsters, Madness And Magic, SAVATAGE leader Jon Oliva offered an update on new music from the cult metal outfit. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, we were working on a new SAVATAGE record until I fractured my spine, and so we have to put that off now until the first of the year. I slipped on a wet marble floor and I fractured my T7 vertebra. It is very painful; I'm actually in a lot of pain right now. I have to wear this kind of like a harness vest support thing for four months."

This past April, Oliva told Sakis Fragos of Greece's Rock Hard that the next SAVATAGE album would "fuck people up. It's that good." He added: "I've made these mistakes before. I'm not making these mistakes now. I'm not rushing it… No fucking way. 'Cause this will probably be the last album we ever do. And I'm gonna make sure that it's a 10 out of a 10."

Oliva went on to say that there were plenty of ideas to choose from for SAVATAGE's upcoming LP. "I have enough material right now for three albums," he told Rock Hard. "And what I'm going to do is I'm going to condense it down. I'm gonna try to condense it down to one album with three bonus tracks. I'm gonna record everything when I get the guys down here. So we're gonna record all the shit that we've got. And in case I wanna do another album, I'll have it all ready to go. That's the gameplan."

Regarding the musical direction of the new SAVATAGE material, Jon said: "Some of this shit is really strong. I'm even looking at myself going, 'Holy shit. This is really strong.' And the fact that you're gonna have me and [SAVATAGE singer] Zak [Stevens] sharing the vocals and doing songs together in like a duet thing, is even more… it blows me away. I purposely wrote five or six songs specifically for Zak to sing. And then I worked [on] a lot of songs with Al Pitrelli [guitar] that are definitely, 'These are Oliva songs.' And then we have a couple of big epic songs.

"This is gonna be the best album I ever made," Oliva promised. "Unless I kill myself. All I know is that the SAVA fans are gonna be fucking blown away when they hear this. They're gonna be blown away. I wasn't gonna do the SAVATAGE thing and just do a half-assed album. If I'm doing this album, it's gonna be the best album I've ever done. 'Cause when I go out, I wanna go out on top."

Jon went on to say that a new SAVATAGE song called "For The Man Who Would Be King" is one that he sometimes refers to as "the new 'Morphine Child'," a nod to the track on SAVATAGE's 2001 album "Poets And Madmen". "And that's one that me and Zak are gonna do together," he explained. "And then it's got this big middle section that's all these QUEEN, operatic[-style vocals]. I'm, like, 'Wow, this is gonna be epic.'"

Regarding which other musicians will be involved in the recording process for the new SAVATAGE album, Jon said: "I'm gonna have [former SAVATAGE drummer Steve] Wacholz come in and play on a couple of songs. But Jeff Plate [drums], Johnny [Lee Middleton, bass], Al Pitrelli [guitar], Chris Caffery [guitar], Zak, me, and on a couple of things I'm gonna have Jane Mangini [TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA keyboardist] come in and play. And maybe the Ukrainian guy Vitalij Kuprij… 'Cause I have a couple of things that are beyond my capabilities of playing, and I figured instead of me spending a month trying to play this, I'll have one of these guys… My keyboard players with TSO, they're some of the best in the world — by far. So I'm, like, 'Oliva, are you stupid? Why you are gonna sit there and try to…? You can't do it. With four arms you couldn't do it.'"

He continued: "I'm getting everybody involved from the beginning. I want it to be a full-band album, all of us working together. And it's gonna be great."

Asked about a possible title for the new SAVATAGE album, Jon said: "The working title is 'Curtain Call', but I don't know if that's gonna be it. 'Cause the very last song that's gonna be on the album is this song called 'Curtain Call', and it's just me with a piano, and it's very deep. It's basically me singing to the fans, telling them all goodbye and thank you. Every time I hear it, I cry. Everybody I played it for cries. It's just very deep. But it's my way of saying goodbye to everybody. 'Thank you. I love you all. And this is my final goodbye. Thank you. Have a good life. And do whatever.' So I think I'm gonna call it 'Curtain Call', but it's not in stone yet."

Zak joined SAVATAGE in 1992 as the replacement of Oliva. Zak sang on four albums with the band — "Edge Of Thorns" (1993),"Handful Of Rain" (1994),"Dead Winter Dead" (1995) and "The Wake Of Magellan" (1997) — before departing in 2000, allowing Jon to return. Both Jon and Zak took part in SAVATAGE's 2015 performance at Wacken Open Air, which marked the band's first, and only so far, appearance on stage since they went on hiatus back in 2002.

SAVATAGE's last album release, "Poets And Madmen", in 2001 was highlighted by Jon's return as lead vocalist, replacing Zak, who left the band citing family reasons, and the departure of guitarist Al Pitrelli, who accepted an offer to join MEGADETH in 2000. Pitrelli did record solos for some songs prior to his departure. Another very limited U.S. tour followed, supported by FATES WARNING in the early shows, and then NEVERMORE for the remainder. Around this time, Jon chose Zak's replacement in the form of Damond Jiniya (DIET OF WORMS). Damond performed Zak's parts on tour, with Jon having an increased vocal role in proceedings.

In September 2021, Jon Oliva was arrested on the west central coast of Florida for driving under the influence as well as possession of a controlled substance. Police charged Oliva with possession of cocaine, which is a felony, and DUI, which is a misdemeanor.

Back in 2016, Jon announced on social media that he suffered a stroke in April of that year. At the time, he said: "It was not as serious as it could have been, but it did leave me with some physical recovery challenges often associated with strokes."

Despite his health issues, Jon said that he didn't regret the way he had lived his life. He wrote: "I lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle since I was 18. It's all I knew and I enjoyed the ride very much. But there comes a time in everyone's life where you have to step back and make some life-changing decisions... which I have."

Shortly after SAVATAGE's reunion performance at the 2015 Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany, Oliva claimed that he felt better than he had in 20 years because he had "stopped drinking and eating" in preparation for the concert. He explained: "It's my voice that's freaking me out, because, even when I was in my late 20s, early 30s, doing songs like '24 Hours Ago' were always really hard to do. And, of course, I didn't realize that it was all the drugs and alcohol I was doing. But, after doing that, getting my act together and stuff, singing '24 Hours Ago', it's actually easy now. [Laughs]"

In addition to his work with SAVATAGE, Oliva is well known for co-creating the classical music-meets-prog rock and pyro act TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA alongside the project's founder Paul O'Neill. Oliva has remained involved in TSO's activities even after O'Neill's April 2017 death of an accidental drug overdose.

In a new interview with RadioactiveMike Z, host of the 96.7 KCAL-FM radio program "Wired In The Empire", STITCHED UP HEART singer Alecia "Mixi" Demner spoke about METALLICA's 2004 documentary "Some Kind Of Monster", which was lauded for its honest examination of one of the world’s most successful heavy metal bands teetering on the brink of implosion. She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, we watched that. It's real, though. I love that. I think authenticity right now shows through more than anything. And I've been trying to be as authentic as possible, whether or not it's something I should say or not, whether or not it's something that maybe I've been shy about talking about my vocal cords and things like that. I just feel like the more authentic and real you are… People are just so conditioned to filters and putting on a mask, and I just don't wanna be like that. I just wanna be real. And I think that'll shine through. And I definitely saw that in that documentary, for sure."

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

Denmark's Mercenary have released the new single, "Beyond The Waves". A music video for the song can be viewed below.


Guitarist Jakob Mølbjerg comments: "This last single is a fierce and epic son of a bitch! With a playtime of 7.13 it plunges down through a progressive musical exploration of darkness, heaviness and crushing melancholy unusual even for our standards, while dealing with humanity's inevitable confrontation with the consequences of our own cultural parasitism and our constant efforts of furthering our own place, regardless of the costs - even if the cost ends up being our gradual demise at the hands of natural catastrophes or our own existential redundancy in modern society. Speaking to that topic, an AI-fueled video was naturally the perfect performative paradox of our blossoming dependency on and inevitable exploration of technology, with all the dangers and pitfalls it entails. We hope you'll all enjoy this perfect Soundtrack For The End Times."







With album number eight and ten years since their last release, Mercenary return with a masterpiece for every melodic death & progressive metal fan. Formed in Aalborg, Denmark, Mercenary capture the unique blend of Scandinavian melancholy, melody and aggression.


This Friday (September 22) will see the band release their new offering, Soundtrack For The End Times. Order here.





Tracklisting:


"Burning In Reverse"
"Heart Of The Numb" (Feat. Matt Heafy)
"Where Darkened Souls Belong"
"Through This Blackened Hatred"
"Anthem For The Anxious"
"A Darker Path"
"Become The Flame"
"From The Ashes Of The Fallen"
"Black Heart, Dead Tissue"
"Black Blood Soil"
"Beyond The Waves"


"Anthem For The Anxious" video:





"Heart Of The Numb" lyric video:

BLINK-182 has released the official Carlos Lopez Estrada-directed music video for the song "One More Time". The track is taken from the band's new album, "One More Time…", which will arrive on October 20 via Columbia Records. It marks the first album to feature the group's classic lineup of Mark Hoppus (bass, vocals),Tom DeLonge (guitar, vocals) and Travis Barker (drums) since 2011.

In true BLINK-182 style, the group has also surprised fans with another new song, "More Than You Know". Check out the official lyric video below.

Launching with the album news earlier this week, the band shared a sentimental trailer for "One More Time…" Featuring strikingly candid interview footage pulled from the band's forthcoming extensive interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe as well as current and archival clips, the trailer finds Mark, Tom and Travis baring it all as they discuss topics they have never shared before. The trailer teases three new songs, including "One More Time". The full Zane Lowe interview will be available to watch exclusively on Apple Music soon.

The trio recorded "One More Time..." in the midst of their blockbuster reunion tour, which sold out arenas, amphitheaters, and stadiums across the world. The album, produced by Barker, features 17 new songs that capture the band at the top of their game, layering in themes of tragedy, triumph, and most importantly, brotherhood.

The brand-new album comes both digitally and physically on CD, standard black vinyl, and multiple limited edition physical vinyl variants including purple ooze D2C exclusive LP, red and clear marble colored D2C exclusive LP, and egg splatter colored D2C exclusive LP. Additional offerings on vinyl include the coke bottle clear colored indie exclusive LP, opaque white colored Amazon-exclusive LP and electric smoke colored Spotify Fans First-exclusive LP. The artist store will have a limited-edition cassette available.

"One More Time…" track listing:

01. Anthem Part 3
02. Dance With Me
03. Fell In Love
04. Terrified
05. One More Time
06. More Than You Know
07. Turn This Off!
08. When We Were Young
09. Edging
10. You Don't Know What You've Got
11. Blink Wave
12. Bad News
13. Hurt (Interlude)
14. Turpentine
15. Fuck Face
16. Other Side
17. Childhood

BLINK-182 played its first reunion concert with Tom DeLonge in April at the Coachella festival in Indio, California. The 50-minute performance marked the first time DeLonge, Travis Barker and Mark Hoppus had shared the stage together publicly since 2014.

BLINK-182 appearance at Coachella was a last-minute addition to the event, having been announced by DeLonge a day earlier.

BLINK-182 was scheduled to launch its reunion tour in Mexico and South America in March but had to postpone the dates after Barker injured his finger in rehearsals.

The North American leg of BLINK-182's reunion tour launched in May and ran through July, with TURNSTILE providing support.

Meanwhile, the 2022 reunion single "Edging" has amassed over 70 million Spotify streams and counting.

Since their humble beginnings nearly thirty years ago, when they started playing in a San Diego garage, BLINK-182 have sold over fifty-million albums worldwide and rocked audiences from Adelaide to Zurich, having become one of the defining rock bands of their generation. According to The New York Times, "No punk band of the 1990s has been more influential than BLINK-182."

DeLonge was a member of BLINK-182 from its 1995 debut album, "Cheshire Cat" through 2003's "Untitled", before leaving in 2005. He then rejoined the band in 2011 for the "Neighborhoods" LP, prior to departing again in 2015.

BLINK-182's two most recent albums — 2016's "California" and 2019's "Nine" — featured ALKALINE TRIO's Matt Skiba.

Tom has spent the last few years focusing on ANGELS & AIRWAVES before reconnecting with Mark after the latter beat cancer in 2021. Travis has collaborated with countless musicians and married Kourtney Kardashian.

Southern California hard rockers P.O.D. have released the official music video for their new single, "Drop". The track, which features a guest appearance by LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, is taken from P.O.D.'s upcoming studio album, "Veritas", which will arrive next spring via Mascot.

"'Drop' is another one-of-a-kind, unparalleled banger that sets this band apart from everyone else," says P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval. "When you hear it, you know it's P.O.D.!"

"Dude, it's the sickest thing ever," P.O.D.'s Marcos Curiel says of "Drop", which was inspired by the guitarist's longtime love of electronic music. "When that drop hits, everyone knows it," he adds. "We needed to create a song in that way… P.O.D. style."

In a recent interview with Ethan Jackson of Topeka's rock radio station KDVV/V100 conducted at this year's Rocklahoma festival, Curiel said about the "Veritas" album title: "It's the old Latin dialect. You know, the old one that the priests are laying down when people are demonly possessed. It stands for truth. It's our truth because we wrote this record during the pandemic. Individually and collectively, it's our truth as a band, what we've been through, what we've all been through during that time, dude.

"I can't wait for you guys to hear it, man," the guitarist added. "It's pretty cool. We also got Tatiana [Shmailyuk] from JINJER on a track. And we have Cove Reber. He sang for SCARY KIDS [SCARING KIDS] and SAOSIN. And he also sings in a new band called DEAD AMERICAN. He's on a track."

Fan-filmed video of a recent performance of "Drop" can be seen below.

Last month, Sandoval told "The Jesea Lee Show" about the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for the three-time Grammy Award-nominated rock quartet's next studio album: "It's been a long progress, just because of COVID and everything. Once COVID hit, everybody thought, 'Well, we can make records and get everything out and get it ready to go.' But it was kind of a difficult thing for us because we're used to being together and writing together. So, it was a different process for us, but now it's mixed, mastered, ready to go, but we aren't releasing it till next year, because, you know, the way labels work. But it's cool, 'cause they're gonna waterfall like a bunch of different singles and stuff like that. So it should be cool. So hopefully by… The plan is by the time the record comes out, you would have already seen three videos or [heard] four or five songs."

Asked if the next P.O.D. album will see him and his bandmates returning to their "old-school" sound or if it will represent "a whole new era" for the group. Sonny said: "All we know how to do is be ourselves. But I think this album is definitely more rocking. The last album, 'Circles', was a little bit more on the alternative side and a little bit of all the elements of our styles and flavors. But this one, it's just kind of rock, you know what I mean? But I dig it. I think it's kind of the album that we needed. Not everybody gets all the different flavors and styles and the soulfulness of P.O.D. Sometimes I compare it to… I don't eat McDonald's, but they're the number one food chain for a reason. People, they know what they get, they know what to expect. I'm more of a foodie, so I like a great burger or maybe a steak. But people love their McDonald's, so sometimes you just kind of give 'em what they want."

P.O.D.'s latest album, "Circles", was released in November 2018 via Mascot Label Group. The disc saw the band collaborating with the Los Angeles-based production duo called the Heavy (Jason Bell and Jordan Miller),who ensured the album is contemporary sounding without losing any of the band's core sonic signifiers.

P.O.D. dropped "Satellite: 20th Anniversary Edition" as a double-CD and digitally in September 2021 through Rhino. Released a few days before the album's official anniversary, the 27-song collection introduced a newly remastered version of the original album, plus a selection of rarities, remixes, and four previously unreleased demos, including "Alive (Semi-Acoustic Version)". A few weeks later, "Satellite: 20th Anniversary Edition" was released on vinyl as a double-LP as a part of Rhino's Rocktober campaign.

After debuting at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, "Satellite" went on to sell more than seven million copies worldwide, including three million in the U.S. The record generated four singles: the title track, "Alive", "Youth Of The Nation" and "Boom". In addition to its commercial success, "Satellite" earned P.O.D. three Grammy nominations for "Alive" ("Best Hard Rock Performance", 2002),"Portrait" ("Best Metal Performance", 2003) and "Youth Of The Nation" ("Best Hard Rock Performance", 2003).

"Satellite: 20th Anniversary Edition" has a bonus disc that includes B-sides like "Critic" and "Sabbath" that were initially released in Europe, plus remixes for "Boom" by THE CRYSTAL METHOD and "Youth Of The Nation" by Mike$Ki.

Metallica have released the official live video below for "Holier Than Thou", filmed at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, on September 1.


The full audio recording of the above mentioned concert is now available for pre-order here. Expected availability is November 24, 2023.







Tracklisting:


"Creeping Death"
"Harvester Of Sorrow"
"Holier Than Thou"
"King Nothing"
"Lux Æterna"
"Too Far Gone?"
"Fade To Black"
"Shadows Follow"
"Orion"
"Nothing Else Matters"
"Sad But True"
"Hardwired"
"Fuel"
"Seek & Destroy"

In an interview with Super Cool Radio conducted in early September, DROWNING POOL guitarist C.J. Pierce was asked when fans can expect to hear new music with singer Ryan McCombs, who rejoined the band earlier this year. He said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Ideally, I would have liked to put a song to go along with the tour [with SALIVA]. It's just we have had a little bit of limited time. Ryan came in. We did those shows [earlier in the year]. And he actually lives outside of London [England] now. And so he had to fly back to London with family. And then he came in again. We had, like, a day or two to do stuff to get ready for the last two-week run. With this [tour] coming up, he has a lot of stuff going on in his life right now. So he's gonna in next week to the first show that we start off in the tour. So we won't have time to get on those songs, but while we we're on tour, the next eight weeks, man, every day we're gonna be in that back lounge of that bus, man, putting the stuff together and getting music going."

Pierce also talked about his mindset when it comes to writing music with McCombs after such a long time apart. He said: "Ryan's got such a powerful voice. He's got a unique sound. He's got his own tone, if you will — you know his voice when you hear it. And at this point, working with him and the fact that the last 10 years, with [former DROWNING POOL singer] Jasen Moreno, who has his own tone and sound, when we did the songs that we did [originally] with Ryan, I wound up doing the Ryan main parts and Jasen was doing the high harmony parts. So it's allowed me to really get to know Ryan McCombs and where he sits in songs. So now that we're working on music, working on stuff, like the harmonies and just everything, it's never been easier, I guess I should say. We're on fire, it's exciting, and working on music, we've never been so much more on the same page. So, I'm looking forward to it, man."

He added: "I'm not trying to hype up the new stuff. I'm just genuinely excited about it, and I love talking about it, and I can't wait to get it out. I'd say definitely before the end of the year, you're gonna hear something new from DROWNING POOL. I promise you won't be disappointed."

DROWNING POOL's U.S. tour with SALIVA kicked off on September 10 in Norfolk, Virginia and is scheduled to run through the end of October.

Less than two months ago, Pierce spoke to Harley Roxx about the inspiration for some of the new music that he and his longtime bandmates — drummer Mike Luce and bassist Stevie Benton — are writing with McCombs. He said in part: "I do electrical work on the side when I'm not touring, because we spent a very long, good, awesome 20 years of being able to get by and pay the bills playing music, which is not easy to do anyway because it's the music business and it's horrible… So yeah, I do electrical work, and it's great to separate my mind. It has its own art and its own thing to it. And I love all the dudes I work with.

"Mike and I, when we moved to Dallas and we were doing electrical work and listening to like late '90s music, and that's some of the influence that I had during the writing process of the 'Sinner' record [DROWNING POOL's 2001 debut album]. And now here I am doing electrical work again, and the dudes I work with, they like to listen to late '90s kind of stuff, so I'm in the exact same mindframe I was in. And then Ryan's staying in my house, in my studio and writing songs. So the stuff that's coming out now naturally has very, very 'Sinner' foundation to it. I know I've said that before in the past, but this time around, I'm not trying to write a 'Bodies Part 2' or 'Tear Away Part 2', but it's just coming out like that. So we have these new ideas that [sound like that], but with Ryan included on it. So it's, it's been a cool mix. The new stuff, the little bit that we played for the people that are around us that have seen it or heard it, the reaction has been really, really cool. You can tell — they're, like, 'Oh my God.' So I'm excited about it."

He added: "I'm just being honest with you. I'm not trying to pump myself up. You never know what people are gonna expect. And you play a little bit and you just see their eyes light up like they do when they hear 'Bodies'. So I'm, like, 'All right, we're on to something good.' So I can't wait to get new stuff out."

In July, Pierce told Brutal Planet Magazine that DROWNING POOL had three new songs that were "pretty much done." The guitarist also talked in more general terms about the DROWNING POOL songwriting process, saying: "It's always been us since day one — Mike, Stevie and myself. We've been writing together since day one. The thing is we had a couple of different singer switches here and there. But it's fun having Ryan back in it, 'cause we did a lot of great songs with him back then and we're back on it. We've never been closer and we've never been more solid.

"Writing with these guys, especially now with Mike, we're in a room and it's almost like you don't even have to think," he explained. "You just know he's gonna go here, I'm gonna go there, and it just falls into place.' And it's awesome to be in a place now where you have an idea or a feeling or a thought and you can just put it out there and the other guys know what to do to express that right out the gate. We do try a lot of different things — 'Let's try this part. Let's try that part' — but it seems like we just fall into where we wanna be and need to be for the song to highlight and make it elevate to the rock song that you hear when you come [and see us play]."

"Sinner" was certified platinum within six weeks of its release in 2001, while the CD's first single, "Bodies", was one of the most frequently aired videos on MTV by a new band. DROWNING POOL reached out to an ever-greater audience with dynamic performances at Wrestlemania XVIII and Ozzfest during the summers of 2001 and 2002. Unfortunately, their streak of success was not to last. Shortly after rousing the crowd at Ozzfest in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 3, 2002, vocalist Dave "Stage" Williams was found dead of natural causes on the tour bus.

McCombs played his first shows back with DROWNING POOL on March 17 at Club L.A. in Destin, Florida and on March 18, headlining the inaugural Throwdown At The Campground festival in Fruitland Park, Florida.

The longtime SOIL frontman, who has lived in Swindon, England since 2018, originally joined DROWNING POOL in 2005 and appeared on two of the band's studio albums, "Full Circle" (2007) and "Drowning Pool" (2010),as well as a live album, 2009's "Loudest Common Denominator". He rejoined SOIL after exiting DROWNING POOL in 2011.

According to Metal Edge, McCombs will continue to front SOIL and will perform with both bands moving forward.

DROWNING POOL's first new record since 2016, "Strike A Nerve", came out in September 2022 via T-Boy/UMe. It marked the band's third album with singer Jasen Moreno, who joined DROWNING POOL in 2012.

DROWNING POOL addressed Moreno's departure in a social media post on March 16, writing: "We appreciate everyone asking about Jasen. We can't speak for him but we believe he was just ready to move on to other things in life. Maybe he will make a statement. Maybe he won't. Regardless, we wish him the best."

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the upcoming debut album release, “Fight In Me”, from Ignescent, a dynamic new hard rock band hailing from Chicago. The first single, “Not Today”, featuring Kevin Young of Disciple, is out today. The corresponding music video, also out today, features Billy Grey of Fozzy and was directed by JT Ibanez well known for his work with Sevendust. Preorder here.





About the theme of the album, Ignescent’s Jennifer Benson says, "We will come out stronger in the end through the pain with our hearts ignited. I will never stop the fight in me."




The album will include songs co-written with Sameer of Flyleaf, along with Jeremy Valentyne and Brandon Wolfe of New Years Day among others. The band is fronted by the multi-talented singer Jennifer Benson and have released several singles and an EP in the past few years showcasing their contemporary metal sound, akin to Flyleaf, Evanescence, Jinjer and Skillet.


Since 2018, the band has been primarily touring throughout the Midwest and Nashville area. Ignescent’s last single, “Remnant” hit #46 on Billboard Rock Charts, while Ignescent’s first EP, Electrified, was produced by 4 time Dove Award winning & Grammy Nominated producer Travis Wyrick (10 Years, P.O.D.). The first song on the CD, “Calling Out To You”, was co-written with former lead guitarist of Skillet, Ben Kasica, and hit the top 30 on Billboard Rock Charts.





Tracklisting:


“Monster You Made”
“Unholy”
“Fight In Me”
“You’re Not Alone”
“Under Attack”
“Triple Threat”
“Shadows”
“Carries Me”
“The Hurt”
“Woman On Fire”
“Not Today” 


“Not Today” video:

SEMI-ROTTED, the Las Vegas, Nevada-based extreme metal band fronted by former FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH drummer Jeremy Spencer, made its live debut this past Thursday (September 14) at The Copa Room in Las Vegas. Fan-filmed video of the concert can be seen below.

SEMI-ROTTED released the "Deader Than Dead" EP in 2022, featuring a guest appearance by LORNA SHORE's Will Ramos. More recently, SEMI-ROTTED issued the "Blood Bath" single, including an appearance from CANNIBAL CORPSE's George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher. Spencer and SEMI-ROTTED also secured the services of renowned extreme metal drummer Tim Yeung (I AM MORBID, ex-DIVINE HERESY and MORBID ANGEL) and subsequently laid down two studio albums.

In a recent interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Spencer stated about how the addition of Tim Yeung to SEMI-ROTTED came about: "I've known Tim since about 2007 when he was in DIVINE HERESY and DEATH PUNCH was starting out. We'd see him at local shows. That's how I met him. I'd see him on and off at NAMM over the years, and I always thought he was a really nice guy. More importantly, his playing is incredible. I always told him, 'You'll replace me in DEATH PUNCH one day.' I'd always kid him about that. That never happened, thankfully. [Laughs] When it was time to look for the 'guy', he was the guy I wanted. He was my only choice. I would think of other people, but I was like, 'I want Tim. He's fucking amazing and a great guy. I'm just going to reach out and take a stab at it. He's probably busy. He was in MORBID ANGEL and may tell me to get fucked.' [Laughs] He said, 'Dude. I dig the songs.' That struck me first, 'Cool! You dig it.' He said, 'Not only will I record the records, but I will join the band.' I was pretty stoked about that."

Regarding what he is getting out of doing a band like SEMI-ROTTED, Jeremy said: "It's so natural and fun. The lyrics are death metal-style. They're fun. It's the most grotesque shit you can think of, then write it. It's fun. Who doesn't like doing that? [Laughs] I'm having a blast. We're finally starting to get the live machine going, which will be fun."

Asked if he has always wanted to do a band like SEMI-ROTTED, Jeremy said: "I want to do whatever kind of music I want at the given time. After the PSYCHO SYNNER [formerly PSYCHOSEXUAL] thing, I was craving heavy music again. I started buying death metal vinyl and my wife and I would sit around and listen to it while drinking coffee. I said, 'I want to make music like this. I don't know what the fuck it will sound like or how we're going to do it, but I want to do it.' I got Shawn McGhee, our guitar player. We wrote the thing and did it pretty fast. Then we started putting the guys together after that."

As for how he developed his death metal vocals, Jeremy said: "I didn't know what it would sound like when I started putting the vocals to the music. I said, 'How do I want this voice to sound?' What came out came out. Then I thought, 'Shit. I have to learn how to sing.' I started taking lessons from [extreme metal vocal coach] Melissa Cross; she's the best. I practiced in a little closet with a computer setup and in-ear monitors. I'm in there fucking practicing all the time. I've developed it that way."

Jeremy, who co-founded FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH with guitarist Zoltan Bathory, left the band so that he could undergo back surgery in the fall of 2018 that required a significant recovery period.

Spencer's replacement in FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is Charlie "The Engine" Engen. Engen made his recording debut with the band on the "F8" album, which came out in February 2020.

Follow Semi-Rotted on Instagram Semi-Rotted and catch their Live show September 14th in Las Vegas 8pm - The Copa Room, Bootlegger Plaza

Posted by SemiRotted on Tuesday, August 22, 2023

During an appearance on this past Thursday's (September 14) episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", founding JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing was asked what it was like to reunite with his former band for a performance at last year's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET) : "I deliberated [about attending the event]. I'm thinking, 'It's a long, long way to go, 'cause I'm not exactly sure how it's gonna all pan out.' But both myself and Les Binks [former JUDAS PRIEST drummer, who was also being inducted], we were delighted when we heard from the management that we were gonna be inducted. That was great. But shortly after that, we had another e-mail saying, 'Just to let you know that you and Les are guests of the band.' So straight off the bat, I'm thinking, 'Oh, here we go. This is not exactly how I thought it would go.' And then, obviously, we were kept segregated — flights, dressing rooms, hotels, the red carpet — so it was just total segregation. And that was it."

He continued: "I really must [give a] shoutout to Richie [Faulkner, Downing's replacement in PRIEST]. Richie was great. He came in the dressing room a couple of times. We had a good few laughs. Because lots of people were coming to our dressing room. It was good. Dave Grohl popped his head in, 'cause he's such a lovely guy, so down to earth, and that was funny. We had a few laughs. And it was great. [I] didn't say anything to the other guys, but there it is. But to be honest, once I got on that stage and I did it, I was glad that I did it, because I think that, justifiably, I kind of earned that, really. And there was some energy — there was a lot of energy from myself and Richie — because I think Richie was thinking, 'I've gotta go toe-to-toe with this guy. Otherwise I'm just gonna look like a shadow or something.' But it was good. We worked it well together. But I have to be honest, it just didn't feel like it used to; it was far from it. I think we had — well, we had two drummers and three guitar players. So that's one reason why it didn't quite seem the same as before, really. But, yeah, it was fun, like I say. I'm so glad that I made the decision to go in the end."

Downing previously discussed his reunion with PRIEST in a separate interview with Marko Syrjälä of Chaoszine, saying that the whole event was a bit surreal, seeing as none of the other artists being inducted into the Rock Hall were even remotely close to metal.

"Even right up until the performance, I wasn't sure," Downing admitted. "I kept saying to myself, 'Am I doing the right thing here? Is this really heavy metal? I'm with a bunch of guys that fucking hate me.' I'm looking at Ed Sheeran. I'm looking at Dolly Parton. I'm thinking, 'Fuck it. Am I in the right place? Is it all a dream?' [Laughs] I'm thinking, 'Oh, what the hell? Just grab the guitar and do it and get to the pub.' And that's what I did. I came off stage, put my clothes on, went straight back to the hotel bar and I had some beers and it was great."

K.K. also confirmed that he did have a brief chat with PRIEST singer Rob Halford at the Rock Hall. "Rob came over to me, and I [initially] didn't wanna speak to him, because he left the band for 14 years and I was instrumental in reinstating him back in the band, having him back in," Downing said. "And then he tells me that I can't rejoin the band. How does that work? I don't know how that works."

According to K.K., "it's [PRIEST guitarist] Glenn [Tipton] and [PRIEST's longtime manager] Jayne [Andrews] who make all the decisions [for the band], and, I hate to say it, but Rob is just… I really think that… The only reason I spoke to Rob [at the Rock Hall] is because I think he's being controlled. That's the only reason. I don't believe that Rob voted not to have me [back] in [PRIEST]. I think he was forced to. I think Rob would have voted me in. But it was their choice. And now Richie's off doing his own thing with [his side project] ELEGANT WEAPONS and everything. So it's not looking great for him, really, is it?"

PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award at last year's Rock Hall, which honored Eminem, Dolly Parton, DURAN DURAN, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, EURYTHMICS and Carly Simon in the Performers category.

The JUDAS PRIEST members who got inducted include current members Halford, Ian Hill (bass),Tipton and Scott Travis (drums),along with former members Downing, Binks and late drummer Dave Holland.

Halford, Hill, Tipton and Travis were joined by Binks, Downing and Faulkner for a three-song medley consisting of "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight".

Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance.

In 2019, Downing said that he reached out to JUDAS PRIEST about taking part in the band's 50th-anniversary tour but that their response was that they were not interested in including him in the celebrations.

In 2018, Downing revealed that he sent two resignation letters to his bandmates when he decided to quit JUDAS PRIEST. The first was described as "a graceful exit note, implying a smooth retirement from music," while the second was "angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with specific parties."

Downing later said that he believed the second letter was "a key reason" he wasn't invited to rejoin PRIEST after Tipton's decision to retire from touring.

JUDAS PRIEST was on the ballot for Rock Hall induction in 2020, but failed to receive enough votes to make that year's class.

Having been eligible for induction since 1999, PRIEST was also on the ballot for the 2018 class of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, but was ultimately left out of the inductee list.

Photo credit: Mind Art Visual

6x GRAMMY® Award-nominated musician/songwriter/producer Steven Wilson has shared his latest single, “What Life Brings,” available everywhere now. Steeped in sundazed, autumnal acoustics, the timeless progressive pop song is accompanied by an official music video directed by acclaimed filmmaker Charlie Di Placido (Jungle, Everything But The Girl).


“What Life Brings” heralds Wilson’s groundbreaking seventh solo album, The Harmony Codex, arriving via his own Spinefarm Records in a wide range of formats – including CD, 2LP, Blu-ray, digital download – on Friday, September 29. Pre-order here.


Written, performed, and produced by Steven Wilson, The Harmony Codex sees him creating a vivid tapestry of memory and reflection, weaving mesmerizing sonics and expansive songcraft into something entirely unique, a record that exists outside of the notion of genre. Working alone in a studio tucked inside the garage of a North London townhouse, Wilson pieced together the album’s 10 tracks with remote assistance from an array of friends and fellow artists, from longtime studio partners Ninet Tayeb, Craig Blundell, and Adam Holzman to first-time collaborators including Jack Dangers (Meat Beat Manifesto) and Sam Fogarino (Interpol). Each was invited to add their own individual stamp to the recording, the snares, strings, and sampled sounds sent down the wires giving rhythm and color to Wilson’s already elaborate musical vision.




The Harmony Codex will also be available as in a deluxe 3-disc limited edition featuring an exclusive hardback book. The expanded release adds Harmonic Distortion, a 77-minute reimagining of the album featuring alternate versions and remixes by Manic Street Preachers, Roland Orzabal (Tears for Fears), Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth), Interpol, Meat Beat Manifesto, Faultline, and Radiophonic Workshop. The set also includes a deluxe version of The Harmony Codex Blu-ray featuring Hi-Res 96/24 stereo, 5.1 surround, and Dolby Atmos mixes, two videos, and exclusive instrumental mixes of the full album in Hi-Res 96/24 stereo, 5.1 surround, and Dolby Atmos. The limited edition set further includes an exclusive 100-page hardback book, designed by longtime visual collaborator Carl Glover and featuring stunning work from acclaimed artist Hajo Mueller meticulously created in close collaboration with Wilson during the making of the album.


Steven Wilson is, among his many guises, a visionary solo artist, founding member of Grammy Award-nominated British rock band Porcupine Tree, and pioneering spatial audio remixer known for his work with such artists as The Who, King Crimson, Chic, Van Morrison, Tears For Fears, XTC, and many more. The Harmony Codex follows Wilson’s sixth solo studio album, 2021’s The Future Bites, which debuted at #4 on the UK’s Official Albums Chart amidst worldwide critical applause and later earned two prestigious Grammy Award nominations (for “Best Immersive Audio Album” and “Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package”), marking Wilson’s fifth and sixth total career Grammy nods thus far.





The Harmony Codex tracklisting:


"Inclination"
"What Life Brings"
"Economies Of Scale"
"Impossible Tightrope"
"Rock Bottom"
"Beautiful Scarecrow"
"The Harmony Codex"
"Time Is Running Out"
"Actual Brutal Facts"
"Staircase"


Deluxe Limited Edition Box Set tracklisting:


Disc 1: The Harmony Codex
"Inclination"
"What Life Brings"
"Economies Of Scale"
"Impossible Tightrope"
"Rock Bottom"
"Beautiful Scarecrow"
"The Harmony Codex"
"Time Is Running Out"
"Actual Brutal Facts"
"Staircase"


Disc 2: Harmonic Distortion
"Codex Theme #7"
"Economies of Scale" (Manic Street Preachers Remix)
"Codex Theme #9"
"Inclination" (Faultline Remix)
"Impossible Tightrope" (Alternate Version)
"Codex Theme #6"
"Beautiful Scarecrow" (Meat Beat Manifesto Excursion 1)
"Codex Theme #8"
"Time Is Running Out" (Mikael Åkerfeldt Version)
"Staircase" (Interpol Remix)
"Codex Theme #3"
"What Life Brings" (Aug 22 Mix by Roland Orzabal)
"The Harmony Codex" (Long Take)
"Staircase" (Radiophonic Workshop Remix)


Disc 3: The Harmony Codex Blu-Ray
High-Resolution Stereo (96/24)
5.1 Mix (96/24)
Atmos Mix (48/24)
Stereo Instrumentals (96/24) *
5.1 Instrumentals (96/24) *
Atmos Instrumentals (48/24) *


* exclusive to this edition


"What Life Brings" video:





"Economies Of Scale" video:





(Photo - Hajo Mueller)

October 13, 2023, one day after Status Quo legend Rick Parfitt would have celebrated his 75th Birthday, will see German singer, guitarist, producer Michael Voss release his upcoming cover album, Rockers Rollin' (A Tribute To Rick Parfitt), via Massacre Records. The album will be available as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-sale has just started, here.


Following a previously-released, first single - the album title track - today, Voss has shared a new music video for the track "Don't Drive My Car", featuring Andy Susemihl (ex-U.D.O) on guest guitar! 


"This song is very poppy and its melody sticks right in your head." Michael Voss says.




"Same as Rick, I am a car enthusiast and this riff has a kind of similarity, reminiscent of the Pink Floyd smash hit ‘Another Brick In The Wall’! It also features great guitar work from Andy Susemihl and this track always brings a big smile to my face."


From almost year one, Michael Voss has been a huge Status Quo fan after attending his first live concert in a big arena in 1979 at Halle Münsterland, where dumbstruck and starstruck he witnessed the mighty Status Quo on their "If You Can’t Stand The Heat" tour.


Rick Parfitt stepped into the spotlight and fired his intro riff of "Caroline" into the crowd, and Michael Voss was suddenly infected with his hard hitting, take-no-prisoners rhythm. Filled with an irrepressible desire to embrace all that is Status Quo, he greedily snapped up all their albums and became an ardent soldier in the Quo Army fan club as well.


Furthermore, Status Quo gave this impressionable 14-year-old the great inspiration to follow in their footsteps by learning to sing play and compose. Many years later he found himself with the skill to render Parfitt's great contribution to rock music in this tribute to his first all-time hero.


Voss has carefully chosen ten songs, that Parfitt sang and wrote, and now proudly presents them in this glorious rock tribute. "Rockers Rollin' (A Tribute To Rick Parfitt)" features severals high class guests, who shared the music and stage with Rick, such as longtime tour manager and co-writer of many super hits, Bob Young, original founding member of the Frantic Four, John Coghlan, Rick's son, Rick Parfitt Jr., actual bass player Rhino Edwards, original band member Andy Bown, Mat Sinner of Primal Fear, among many more!





Rockers Rollin' (A Tribute To Rick Parfitt) tracklisting:


"Again And Again"
"Rain"
"Don't Drive My Car"
"For You"
"Rockers Rollin'"
"Oh! What A Night"
"Something 'Bout You Baby I Like"
"Reason For Living"
"Coming And Going"
"Living On An Island"


"Don't Drive My Car" video:





"Rockers Rollin'" video:





(Photo - Eva von der Forst)

Jesse James Dupree has announced the release of a new studio album titled "Breathing Fire" planned for global release on November 10. Today, he presents the lead track titled "Never Gets Old", co-written with AC/DC's Brian Johnson. The recording features Jesse, with his son Nigel on drums and JACKYL bandmate guitarist Roman Glick.

The song is a co-write between Dupree and longtime friend Johnson. The two collaborated for several JACKYL records, dating back to "Cut The Crap"'s "Locked & Loaded" (1997) and "Kill The Sunshine" from "Relentless" (2002).

Dupree shares: "Brian Johnson of AC/DC is ROCK! I camped out for two nights to get 'Back In Black' concert tickets in 1980, and to be writing songs with him is a trip!"

The accompanying lyric video for the lead single "Never Gets Old" hides a piece of the rock puzzle. As the video plays on, viewers will see timeless fonts. Each one is a clue, a connection to a legendary band that has shaped the soundtracks of our lives. Viewers can scan the QR code on the video to be instantly registered for a chance to win a trip to Daytona Beach, Florida. If you are selected as the trip winner, and you have named the 32 bands represented by the fonts in the lyric video correctly, you will win a $1,000.00 bonus prize. "Hit the QR code, register, and enter your list of bands represented. It's that easy," says Dupree. "This video is dedicated to all of those that used to camp out for front row concert tickets."

Dupree offers: "This album is a convenient accident as I had no intention of recording one. It came about when I was listening to some old AC/DC records, and it reminded me how important rock 'n' roll is to me. The ideas started coming, and at the same time my son Nigel walked through the door from Nashville. The next thing I knew Roman was there, and we were laying the tracks down.

"I had not spoken to Brian Johnson for about six months because he was preoccupied with his book tour. Coincidentally, he dialed me in the days after we had been recording. Some of the strongest songs I've ever been a part of are featured on this album. How cool is it to play with your son, your best friend (in Roman),and to write songs with Brian Johnson? Life doesn't get better than that."

Jesse James Dupree has spent the last four decades placing his personal vision in to forward motion, achieving success with the majority of endeavors he's chosen to commit his energies to. It all began back in 1992 with the platinum release of his debut JACKYL album (Geffen). Successful album releases followed both with the band and solo. In 2009, the first season of "Full Throttle Saloon" was broadcast on TruTV, featuring Dupree and partner Michael Ballard. Following a fire in September, 2015, the duo relocated Full Throttle Saloon to a parcel of land fifteen times the size of the original location where the largest biker bar in The World continues to flourish annually tied to the Sturgis rally. Dupree is a consultant immersed in the business of Harley-Davidson, the owner of Jesse James American Outlaw Bourbon, and a new venture tied to analytically monitoring data tied to the commercial radio industry. JACKYL continues to be an attraction at festivals, headline shows and rallies annually staging dozens of performances a year. He continues to place his energies towards a dozen or more ventures fueled by multifaceted personal interests.

"Breathing Fire" track listing:

01. Lay It On Me
02. Never Gets Old
03. Breathing Fire
04. It's Not Love
05. Stranded
06. Born To Ride
07. Kill The Sunshine
08. Over My Dead Body
09. White Flag
10. Rappa De Pappa

HELMET, the iconic alternative rock band known for its groundbreaking sound and electrifying performances, will release a new studio album, "Left", on November 10 via earMUSIC. The official music video for the LP's second single, "Gun Fluf", can be seen below.

After the critically acclaimed "Dead To The World" in 2016, HELMET is back with their signature blend of heavy, riff-loaded rock and evocative lyrics that have resonated with fans worldwide for over three decades. "Time for your holiday serial murder / How time slips away", resonate the opening lines of "Holiday". HELMET take no prisoners in their direct and unfiltered expression, leaving listeners with a lasting impact and a sense of urgency to examine the world around them.

"Left" sees HELMET — comprising frontman Page Hamilton, drummer Kyle Stevenson, guitarist Dan Beeman and bassist Dave Case — carve out a musical landscape that is taut, muscular, and direct. Hamilton's lead guitar lines feel like everything from downed power lines arcing to exploding resistors in shortwave radios. On "Left", every snare crack hits like gunfire, every solo seemingly a manifestation of rabies-induced psychosis.

Guided by Hamilton alongside co-producers Jim Kaufman and Mark Renk, and mastered by Howie Weinberg, the 11 songs on the new album are leaner and meaner in their execution than previous aural throwdowns. "Left" is powered by unbridled determination, a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to create more new dialects within the musical language Hamilton invented via his use of drop-D tuning.

"Left" track listing:

01. Holiday
02. Gun Fluf
03. NYC Tough Guy
04. Make-Up
05. Big Shot
06. Bombastic
07. Reprise
08. Dislocated
09. Tell Me Again
10. Powder Puff
11. Resolution

HELMET will embark on a U.S. tour in September. Support on the trek, dubbed the "Look Left Tour", will come from SOUL BLIND.

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

For a complete list of tour dates, visit HelmetMusic.com.

In December 2021, Hamilton confirmed to the "Thunder Underground" podcast that he had begun working on material for HELMET's first album in more than six years.

HELMET's first official live album, "Live And Rare", was released in November 2021 via earMUSIC. It was made available on heavyweight black vinyl as well as a CD digipak edition and digital.

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

"Dead To The World" was released in October 2016 via earMUSIC. The effort was produced by Hamilton and mixed by Jay Baumgardner.

In 2021, HELMET released a cover of GANG OF FOUR's 1981 song "Into The Ditch". The track was recorded for a tribute album to GANG OF FOUR's guitarist Andy Gill, "The Problem Of Leisure: A Celebration Of Andy Gill And Gang Of Four".

Having cut his teeth playing with avant-garde guitar icon Glenn Branca and indie stalwarts BAND OF SUSANS, Hamilton launched HELMET in 1989, and the band released its debut album, "Strap It On", on the independent Amphetamine Reptile label the following year. HELMET soon became the subject of an unprecedented major-label bidding war, ultimately signing with Interscope and releasing "Meantime" in June 1992.

Even while the band was absent from the spotlight, HELMET continued to exercise considerable influence on multiple generations of bands. Their songs have been covered by the likes of CHEVELLE, DEFTONES, FAITH NO MORE, PIG DESTROYER and SOULFLY, and the band inspired a 2016 HELMET tribute album titled "Meantime Redux". HELMET has also been cited as a key influence on such bands as GODSMACK, KORN, MARILYN MANSON, MASTODON, PANTERA, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, SEPULTURA, SLIPKNOT, STAIND, SYSTEM OF A DOWN and TOOL.

Photo courtesy of earMUSIC

In a new interview with Saby Reyes-Kulkarni of Paste magazine, SLIPKNOT's Corey Taylor spoke about his decision to put STONE SOUR "on indefinite hiatus" and launch his solo career by releasing 2020's "CMFT" and 2023's "CMF2" albums. He said: "When STONE SOUR first started, not only was I playing guitar constantly, but I was also the lead guitarist and main writer. Honestly, one of the reasons why I was very adamant about starting my solo thing is that there was a weird misconception around who was writing what for what band. Maybe this is where my ego comes into play, but I felt like I wasn't getting the credit for the things I was actually writing. With STONE SOUR, it was fairly obvious, but there were a lot of songs that I wrote that people thought [guitarists] Jim [Root] or Josh [Rand] wrote where that wasn't the case at all. And then, with SLIPKNOT, there was a lot of stuff that either wouldn't have been written without me, or that I wrote that other people gave [themselves] credit [for]. As someone who takes great pride in sitting down and creating something from nothing — just from my imagination — that stuck in my craw."

He continued: "I've never shied away from giving credit to the people who deserve it. I've never taken credit for anything that I didn't do, and I've always been the first to shine the spotlight on anybody else. I don't necessarily get that in return. So this, for me, is setting the record straight and changing the narrative. Showing people that, 'Oh yeah, he does write heavy shit. And country shit. And acoustic shit. And piano shit. And rock shit. Hardcore shit' — the gamut."

This past June, Taylor told Germany's Rock Antenne that it is easier for him to make solo records than it is to work with a band. But he clarified: "It's not that I don't miss some of the guys in STONE SOUR; I still talk to them. But at this stage, I refuse to compromise my vision and my art because of certain people's hindrances. And that's all I'll say."

In August 2022, Corey told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that "nothing" had changed with regard to STONE SOUR months after he said in a previous interview that the band was on hiatus. Pressed about whether STONE SOUR is something he still might revisit at some point in the future, Corey said: "I don't know. The solo thing's more where my heart is, to be honest."

Corey, who was actually in STONE SOUR before he joined SLIPKNOT, continued: "To me, I've done the time doing stuff in a — for lack of a better term — band situation. And the reason I stick with SLIPKNOT is because that, to me, is the one that kind of started everything. But STONE SOUR, there's still so much drama and issues [between the members]. To me, it's just not something I desire to do. And songs in STONE SOUR that I want to play are the ones that I wrote in the first place. So to me, I would rather go out with a group of dudes who I've known forever and have a great time playing these songs and have the audience enjoy it because they see a bunch of dudes up there enjoying it than try to force issues on an audience that nobody really wants to be a part of, let's put it that way."

Asked it has been difficult for him to shelf STONE SOUR considering the amount of work he put into the band, Corey said: "It's been a bitter pill to swallow, but I've also reached an age where I refuse to waste any time with people who I don't enjoy being with, let's put it that way. And that's saying more than I actually should be saying.

"When it comes to my bands, I know in the past I've been very open to talking about it," Taylor continued. "But I'm very reticent about talking about things that deal with people who I care about. And whether there are issues or not, I still care about them. So it's tough. I have to rein myself in 'cause I'm not gonna throw anybody under the bus because nine times out of 10 I could be the problem too.

"I just know that at this point in my life I have more reason to love the solo thing than I do to try and do something with STONE SOUR," Corey added. "Now, am I saying that it'll never happen? No, because you never know. Something might come up and we could get an opportunity, and we could get an opportunity to do something for charity, and we all get together and we do something really, really cool. But my immediate plans right now — there's no STONE SOUR in the future."

STONE SOUR has been off the road and out of sight since completing the touring cycle for its last studio album, 2017's "Hydrograd". Taylor has been working with SLIPKNOT since then, as well as making his debut solo album, "CMFT", and a follow-up effort, "CMF2", which arrived last week. A STONE SOUR live album, "Hello, You Bastards: Live In Reno", came out in December 2019.

In August 2020, Taylor said that he was open to doing more recording and touring with STONE SOUR in the future. But he admitted that there had "been some contention here and there" between the members of the band in the past and added that it was "time" for him to "step away" and pursue his solo project for a while.

In June 2020, Corey told "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about STONE SOUR: "If someday we wanna get back together and do some stuff, it'll be bigger than it was. But for right now, we're all kind of focused on kind of doing our own thing. But you never say never in this business."

In June 2021, STONE SOUR guitarist Josh Rand told MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn's "No Fuckin' Regrets With Robb Flynn" podcast about when fans can expect to see the follow-up to "Hydrograd": "There's no timetable for a return, 'cause, honestly, between Corey doing his solo thing, now me working on THE L.I.F.E. PROJECT stuff, Roy [Mayorga, drums] working on MINISTRY… So, there's just no timetable.

"I made a comment [in 2020], and it kind of backfired, because of how I said [STONE SOUR was on an] indefinite hiatus, which, if you know the definition, actually just means it's a long period of time with no timetable of return. I don't know if everybody thought I said 'infinite' instead of 'indefinite.' [Laughs] All of a sudden, the band was, like, over. It was, like, 'Oh my God! It's over.' All I was saying was there's no timetable. It's no different than what we've done in the past. It's just gonna be a longer break."

According to Rand, he and his STONE SOUR bandmates "needed to branch out", "try different shit" and "work with different people" before regrouping to work on new STONE SOUR music. "And then whenever that time is that we get back together, it'll actually be what is best for STONE SOUR," he explained. "There's no doubt about it in my mind. Just having these different experiences for all of us instead of just running that same cycle. I think more so with Corey and myself — like I said, he got to do a solo record where he's doing a different style of music than anybody would have thought of or that wouldn't have fit in STONE SOUR or SLIPKNOT. For myself, working with somebody that's not Corey and Roy. So there's a growth that will be there that we'll ultimately get which will benefit the band. I know some people might not be stoked that it's gonna be who knows when, but it needed to happen, and that's what's best for everybody involved."

Asked how he and the rest of STONE SOUR made the decision to take a longer-than-usual break this time around, Josh said: "I think at the end of the tour cycle, we had a good idea of what was going to happen, where [Corey] wanted to do the solo record. For myself, it's something I kicked around — just having some of the songs that I would musically write that I would never submit into STONE SOUR 'cause I don't feel like it fits at all. So I was kind of on that path to begin with. I just kind of got an extra nudge with him doing his solo record of, 'Hey, this is probably the time to do this.' And then we got hit with the pandemic, which then really locked me into the house. And I was, like, 'What else am I gonna do?' So I just started writing and working on playing piano. I did a bunch of stuff on piano, which some of it will come out, and some of it, it's, like, 'No.' I'll [it] for myself. And that's basically what we did. So we had a good idea, I think, that we were gonna take a longer break at the end of '19. I think towards the end, all of us were just burnt."

Photo credit: Marina Hunter

Pierce The Veil - guitarist/vocalist Vic Fuentes, guitarist Tony Perry, and bassist Jaime Preciado - have shared the video for their new single, "12 Fractures". The song and video feature singer-songwriter Chloe Moriondo.


The video features Fuentes and Moriondo walking down a crowded city street towards one another, as the song plays out. It captures the feeling of wondering about your place in the universe. Watch what happens when Fuentes and Moriondo actually meet!


"This song is a true story about watching two best friends break up," Fuentes shares. "It's about the slow crumbling of love and how tiny fractures can eventually turn into breaks in a relationship. It also describes the tragic aftermath of choosing sides, possessions, and even friends to take with you as you move on. It's a time capsule about a moment in our lives. The addition of Chloe Moriondo's angelic voice and personality to really brought the whole story to life and illuminated both character's perspectives. It wouldn't be the same without her."




"Working with Vic was such a dream," Moriondo says. "It was such a sweet and fun honor. I loved filming on the street with him and the crew— it was a really awesome experience that I'm so excited is finally able to be enjoyed by everyone!"





PTV will embark on their Fall 2023 North American in November. The Jaws Of Life Tour kicks off on November 4 in Sacramento and runs through December 8 in San Diego. All dates are below. The band will hit the road on a headline run with L.S. Dunes, Dayseeker, and Destroy Boys in tow. It is truly a stacked lineup that shouldn't be missed.





Tour dates:


November
4 - Sacramento, CA - Hard Rock Live
5 - Fresno, CA - Fresno Convention Center
7 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre
8 - El Paso, TX - UTEP Don Haskins Center
10 - San Antonio, TX - The Espee
11 - Edinburg, TX - Bert Ogden Arena
12 - Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall
14 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues
15 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues
17 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues
18 - Corbin, KY - The Corbin Arena
19 - Macon, GA - Macon City Auditorium
21 - Boston, MA - MGM Music Hall at Fenway
25 - Reading, PA - Santander Arena
26 - Columbus, OH - KEMBA Live!
28 - Chesterfield, MO - The Factory
30 - Chicago, IL - Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom


December
2 - Des Moines, IA - Vibrant Music Hall
3 - Minneapolis, MN - The Armory
5 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Criterion
7 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl
8 - San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena

Orchestral death metal collective, Gods Of Gaia, are proud to reveal their new lyric video for the track, "The Redeemer". This sonic journey is a glimpse into their upcoming album, As Daylight Dies, slated for re-release on October 13th under the banner of Wormholedeath Records.





Wormholedeath Records: "The upcoming album, As Daylight Dies, resonates with a unique fusion of elements. Gods Of Gaia boldly intertwine brutal riffs, extreme vocals, and epic orchestral arrangements to create an auditory experience that defies conventions. This collection of compositions bridges the gap between the raw power of electric guitars, drums, and bass, and the emotional nuances of a symphony orchestra."




Follow Gods Of Gaia via Instagram here.

Clutch performed at the Freak Valley Festival 2023 in Netphen, Germany on June 8th. WDR Rockpalast has shared pro-shot video of the band's entire show. Check it out below.


Setlist:


"Impetus"
"Subtle Hustle"
"Earth Rocker"
"X-Ray Visions"
"Firebirds!"
"Slaughter Beach"
"We Strive for Excellence"
"Burning Beard"
"The Regulator"
"Ghoul Wrangler"
"Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone)"
"Nosferatu Madre"
"D.C. Sound Attack!"
"The Mob Goes Wild"
"Electric Worry"
"Noble Savage"
"The Face"
"Spacegrass"







Clutch have announced the fourth release in their series of live concert recordings, shared under the collective moniker PA Tapes. Released today, Tuesday 12th September, PA Tapes (Live In Nashville, 9/24/22) boasts another 20 live tracks to delight both new and old fans alike, drawn from the whole breadth of their three decade, stellar catalogue.


Legendary for changing the set list every night, with each band member taking turns in the hot seat, Nashville's songs that evening were selected by chief storyteller Neil Fallon, who notes, "Marathon Music Works is one of our favourite venues in the U.S. The crowds there make it easy to have a good time and we certainly did just that on September 24th." 


A decade on from boldly declaring, "If you're gonna do it, do it live on stage, or don't do it at all' in their acclaimed single "Earth Rocker", Clutch's PA Tapes comprise meticulously mixed and mastered live shows from around the world. Renowned for their captivating and authentic live performances, the handpicked shows reflect some of the best live atmosphere, giving fans globally a chance to experience the energy and excitement of a CLUTCH concert from the comfort of their own homes, whenever they like. The series launched in February 2023 and will total five or six edited and mastered digital only live shows.


PA Tapes (Live In Nashville, 9/24/22) is available from today, Tuesday 12th September, on all digital platforms, including Spotify. Make sure to check out the previous releases from the PA Tapes series, including recent shows recorded in Seattle and Copenhagen, and a very early show at the famous King's Head Inn in Norfolk, Virginia from 1993!





The tracklist is as follows:


"Passive Restraints"
"The Mob Goes Wild" 
"X-Ray Visions" 
"Firebirds" 
"Slaughter Beach" 
"Immortal" 
"The Soapmakers" 
"Mountain of Bone" 
"La Curandera" 
"Promoter (Of Earthbound Causes)" 
"Walking in the Great Shining Path of Monster Trucks" 
"Nosferatu Madre"
"Skeletons on Mars" 
"Big News I"
"D.C. Sound Attack!" 
"Electric Worry" 
"Rats" 
"Spacegrass" 
"Noble Savage" 
"The Face"





To see Clutch's live itinerary, including festival performances, click here.


Lineup:


Neil Fallon - Vocals
Tim Sult - Guitar
Dan Maines - Bass
Jean-Paul Gaster - Drums

Chicago, Illinois progressive heavy metal band Sacred Dawn have released their third new single, "The Lake Of The Dismal Swamp", from their upcoming new album Dismal Swamp, scheduled to be released worldwide on September 29, 2023 via Qumran Records in North America, and No Dust Records in Europe. It is Sacred Dawn's first full length album in over ten years.


Sacred Dawn guitarist / vocalist Lothar Keller comments: "The song is built around a poem written in 1806 by Thomas Moore that tells the tale of a young man who has lost his mind in search of his deceased love. He believes she's still alive and has gone to the Lake of the Dismal Swamp where by fire-fly lamp she can be seen paddling her white canoe. The music follows the mood of the poem, taking you on a journey of heavy, brooding riffage to somber, mystical, swamp-like dynamics. Special guest vocalist Rena Keller is the voice of the ghostly maid. And special guest bassist Mike Lepond (Symphony X, Ross The Boss, Death Dealer) recorded the amazing bass guitar solo heard during the song's eerie swampy musical interlude."







Dismal Swamp artwork and tracklisting:





Tracklisting:


“Das Chaos Beginnt”
“Unintended Consequences”
“Truth Be Told”
“Blood And Treasure”
“A Dream Within”
“Let Chaos Reign”
“One More Day”
“The Lake Of The Dismal Swamp”








 

Since the beginning of their career, Narnia has created a close relationship with their Latin American fans. The whole continent embraced the band with enthusiasm, providing them with loyal and passionate followers. Their music, with its infectious energy, inspiring lyrics and impressive technical skill, resonates deeply with Latin American fans, who can relate to the intensity and emotion transmitted by their songs.


The band recognizes and values this unconditional support, and this is reflected in their close relationship with their Latin American fans. They performed twice in Mexico and also toured twice in South America, and with another successful tour this time visiting the three Americas (North, Central and South) having just ended. These live shows are moments of celebration, where fans and band come together in an atmosphere of pure energy. Energy that is unparalleled and Narnia always makes a point of reciprocating, delivering intense and memorable performances.


In addition, the band maintains constant contact with fans through social networks and other online platforms. They interact regularly, responding to comments, sharing updates, and establishing a more personal connection. This virtual proximity allows fans to feel like being part of the Narnia family, closely following the band's creative process, news and achievements.




Initially born as a project related to the 25th anniversary of Narnia celebrated in 2021, this tribute album is made with love, and a lot of commitment to honor those who have blessed our lives for years with their uplifting lyrics and high quality music.


Here we find bands and musicians from countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Chile, Peru, Argentina and Brazil, and some of them have even had the opportunity to open up for Narnia at one of the shows on the 2017, 2019 or 2023 tours, but all have a major influence of Narnia on their musical careers.


The songs present here were selected with care, providing a concise overview of the band's career, respecting their original characteristics but also providing them with special details that make them unique and unparalleled jewels, thus showing the quality, commitment and dedication of Latin American bands to all the world.


The physical release will take place through En Hakkore Records, the producer responsible for the tour, and can be purchased at any of the shows. The album will be available on streaming platforms at the end of October.





Tracklisting:


Renatinho Stauros – "Desert Land" 
Delohim - "Sail Around The World" 
Dynasty Of Metal – "Long Live The King" 
Allos – "The Witch And The Lion" 
Sunroad - S"helter Through The Pain" 
Angura – "Living Water" 
Rota de Escape - "Break The Chains" 
IronLand - "This Is My Life" 
Proyecto Aslan - "The Countdown Has Begun" 
Boanerges - "When The Stars Are Falling" 
Azorrague & Friends - "Back From Hell" 
YeanPierre Caipo – "Hymn To The North" 





(Cover art by Celso Alves, video by DanyMaxGatica)