Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen has just released "Rocking Heels: Live At Metal Church" on August 11 via earMUSIC. It is the document of a very special concert in the idyllic setting of Wacken Church and is the first release of the live series "Rocking Heels".

In front of just 300 handpicked fans, this onetime-only event opened the Wacken Open Air festival in 2016. Tarja presents unique arrangements of rock and heavy metal classics by her favorite artists, including "Numb" by LINKIN PARK, IN FLAMES' "Alias", METALLICA's "The Unforgiven", songs by Joe Satriani and SLIPKNOT, as well as a NIGHTWISH song and Tarja originals.

The video for the latest single, a cover of SLIPKNOT's "Vermilion, Pt. 2", can be seen below.

With its captivating performances of well-known songs paired with Tarja's iconic voice, this live album is a treasure for fans, as well as a discovery for Tarja newcomers and all those who missed the chance to attend this exclusive concert.

"Rocking Heels: Live At Metal Church" is being released as a limited 2LP vinyl edition, CD digipak in LP-replica design and on digital.

The brightest star of the symphonic rock scene, Turunen is certainly the most internationally well-known Finnish voice in the world of music. Soprano, composer, and songwriter, she reached international fame co-founding and being for nine years the voice and image of the Finnish symphonic metal band NIGHTWISH, collecting with them gold and platinum record awards in several countries.

The unique combination of metal music with Tarja's soprano lead vocals gave birth to a new genre, quickly achieving critical and commercial popularity and inspiring many other metal bands and performers. But singing only somebody else's creations was not her destiny, and her talent could fully bloom only outside that crate. Tarja had to walk alone.

Finally free to follow her own inspirations, heart, and dreams, Tarja started her own solo career successfully devoted to both classical and rock music.

Tarja was nominated for the Emma Award in Finland in 2006 and 2007 and for the Echo Award in Germany in 2007, and she is the first Finnish solo artist to achieve a gold record in Germany and even more, the only one to do it both in a band and as solo artist. In 2015 and 2016, she was also busy starring as coach in two seasons of "The Voice Of Finland", which is the most watched TV program from Channel 4 in Finland and leading her team to victory for two years in a row, something that never happened before in the history of the Finnish show.

METALLICA kicked off the North American leg of its "M72" world tour on August 4 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The band's 16-song set kicked off with "Creeping Death" and included three cuts from METALLICA's latest album, "72 Seasons": the title track, "If Darkness Had A Son" and "Shadows Follow", which was performed live for the first time.

Professionally filmed video of the "Seek & Destroy" performance from the August 4 concert can be seen below.

"M72", named after "72 Seasons", sees METALLICA playing two-night stands in cities around the world this year and through 2024, with "takeover" events taking place during weekends in the New York City area, Montreal, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, St. Louis and Detroit. Those events include film fests, pop-up stores, Ross Halfin book signings, tribute bands, special performances by friends and family, and more.

METALLICA's "M72" world tour launched in late April in Amsterdam. Each "No Repeat Weekend" features two completely different setlists and support lineups. The "M72" tour boasts a bold new in-the-round stage design that relocates the famed METALLICA Snake Pit to center stage, as well as the "I Disappear" full-tour pass and the debut of discounted tickets for fans under 16 years of age.

METALLICA's two-night stand at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas later this month will be livestreamed to movie theaters across the globe.

It will mark METALLICA's first appearance in Texas since November 2021, when the band played before, during and after a Triad Combat event at Globe Life Field.

METALLICA last played AT&T Stadium in June 2017.

Hailed as "some of the deepest, hardest-hitting music of their career" (Rolling Stone),METALLICA's "72 Seasons" was released April 14 via the band's own Blackened Recordings. Produced by Greg Fidelman with frontman James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, and clocking in at over 77 minutes, the 12-track "72 Seasons" is METALLICA's first full length collection of new material since 2016's "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct".

Legendary multi-platinum rockers FOGHAT will release their long-awaited 17th studio album — their first in seven years — later this year on the band's label, Foghat Records, which is distributed by Select-O-Hits (part of the Sun Records family). The LP's first single, "Drivin' On" — co-written by the late Kim Simmonds from SAVOY BROWN — is now available for pre-save.

In addition to three brand new songs written by FOGHAT — consisting of founding member/drummer Roger Earl, guitarist/engineer/co-producer Bryan Bassett, singer/bassist Rodney O'Quinn and singer/guitarist Scott Holt — three other songs were co-written by Simmonds, the man who gave Roger his first break back in 1967 as a member of SAVOY BROWN. Sadly, shortly after writing these songs, Kim passed away.

The upcoming release sees FOGHAT tip their hat to great artists that came before them, with songs on the album written by Willie Dixon, B.B. King and Chuck Berry, as well as giving plenty of winks and nods from the current lineup.

Formed in 1971 when Lonesome Dave Peverett and Roger Earl left the British blues-rock band SAVOY BROWN, FOGHAT has earned eight gold records, one platinum record and one double-platinum record. They continue to release new music every few years, and they've never stopped touring and recording, although there have been several ups and downs and changes over the years. They sadly lost Lonesome Dave Peverett in 2000, Rod Price in 2005, and Craig MacGregor in 2018, but Roger Earl keeps banging and kicking to keep FOGHAT's musical legacy going.

Photo credit: Tom Apathy and Kimberly Granger

Almost fifty years ago to the month, British rock legends WISHBONE ASH brought out "Live Dates", their most commercially successful album. A milestone not only for the band, but also in the history of rock music. "At the time, we had been on tour non-stop for three years, had released 'Argus' – from today's point of view our most important studio album – and were like a well-oiled machine," remembers founder Andy Powell, who continues to helm the group. "We had made a name for ourselves as a dynamic live act, so it only made sense to capture the energy and vibrancy of our shows on a live album. Fortunately, the record company funded the costly Rolling Stones Mobile recording truck, so we were able to record several shows during our U.K. tour and compile the most powerful moments on 'Live Dates'."

Fast forward half a century and we find ourselves in the summer of 2023, with WISHBONE ASH celebrating the anniversary of their 1973 concert classic with a new edition. "New" meaning: the same material in exactly the same sequence, performed by the current lineup and recorded at Daryl's House Club in Pawling, New York. The new release is titled "Live Dates Live" and will be available on CD, vinyl double LP and for digital download on Steamhammer/SPV from September 29.

Powell explains: "'Live Dates Live' is our tribute to the original and our thank you to all those fans who have been instrumental in making WISHBONE ASH one of the few bands from the early '70s who are still active today, who still record new albums and tour on a regular basis."

WISHBONE ASH in 2023 probably seems to have little in common with the 1973 version but on closer look, there are many parallels. For one, guitarist/vocalist Andy Powell still keeps a tight hold of the musical reins, maintaining a sound that is known and loved. First-rate musicians Mark Abrahams (guitar),Bob Skeat (guitar) and Mike Truscott (drummer),some of whom are of a younger generation, ooze the original spirit and philosophy of the original lineup, making for a 2023 band that is still 100 percent WISHBONE ASH.

"Live Dates Live" track list:

01. The King Will Come
02. Warrior
03. Throw Down The Sword
04. Rock n Roll Widow
05. Ballad Of The Beacon
06. Baby What You Want Me To Do
07. The Pilgrim
08. Blowin' Free
09. Jailbait
10. Lady Whiskey
11. Phoenix

In a recent interview with Batavia Daily News, Powell — who founded the group in England in 1969 — said that WISHBONE ASH didn't set out to be an influential early hard rock band. "We had a great plan," he explained. "We had a blueprint that we laid down, which was to develop our own sound as a band. That's composed around the music; that was really intrinsic to our success and initially, longevity. Timing is everything when you're coming on the scene."

Swedish death metal pioneers, Dismember, recently announced the long overdue physical standalone reissues of their expansive discography. The first batch consisting of the first two albums, Like An Everflowing Stream (1991) and Indecent & Obscene (1993), as well as the Pieces EP (1992) will be released on August 25.


Today, the band reissues the music video for "Skinfather", from Indecent & Obscene. Revisit the video below:







For the reissues, the entire audio has been mastered for vinyl by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony with the goal to preserve a 'true to the original' sound and contains the more dynamic June '91 master of Like An Ever Flowing Stream on vinyl for the first time. All album layouts were created together with Dismember resulting in a return of the Indecent and Obscene sticker.





Pre-order the physical reissues here, or at the band's official webstore.





Like An Everflowing Stream
Available Formats: LP | CD | Cassette


Considered one of the best death metal albums of all time, 1991's Like An Ever Flowing Stream is a timeless masterpiece establishing Stockholm's Dismember as one of the most talented acts of the genre and laid the groundwork for their merciless buzz-saw sound. This new edition features the more dynamic June 1991 master resulting in the best sounding version of this classic ever!








Indecent & Obscene
Available Formats: LP | CD | Cassette


Released in 1993, the second, more refined studio album by Sweden's death metal masters Dismember includes classic tunes like "Skinfather", "Fleshless", and "Dreaming In Red", which are mainstays in the group's live set up until now. CD and LP feature the cult Indecent and Obscene sticker mocking the censorship troubles Dismember faced at that time.





Pieces
Available Formats: MLP | CD


To the very day, this EP - originally released in 1992 - is an epitome of nastily loud, savagely distorted, uncompromising Swedish death metal.


Keep your eyes peeled for the next batch of physical Dismember reissues to be announced soon.


Upcoming live dates:


August
9-12 - Fortress Josefov, Czech Republic - Brutal Assault
11-13 - Kortrijk, Belgium - Alcatraz Festival


September
7-9 - Aleksandrów Łódzki, Poland - Summer Dying Loud Festival


October
13 - Karlstad, Sweden - Nöjesfabriken
14 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser Strand


May 2024
23-26 - Baltimore, MD - Maryland Death Fest


Dismember are:


Fred Estby (Drums)
David Blomqvist (Guitars)
Robert Sennebäck (Guitars)
Matti Karki (Vocals)
Richard Cabeza (Bass)


(Photo - Nathaniel Shannon)

Sweden's masters of melodic, doomish death metal, October Tide, will release their seventh studio album, The Cancer Pledge, on October 6th via Agonia Records. The album will arrive four years after its predecessor, In Splendor Below, and will coincide with a headlining tour of Europe.


Recent output has seen October Tide tone down on the doom particle, and throw the listener in a colder embrace of a melodic death metal rainstorm. This trend remains consistent on The Cancer Pledge, and overlaps with the direction spearheaded by guitarist Fredrik Norrman (Katatonia, Trees Of Eternity, Thenighttimeproject), keen on rejuvenating October Tide with a touch of the past. "It's a direct continuation of the previous album," states Norrman. "Less doom and more death metal, yet melodic and with more layers. I’ve searched for inspiration in records I listened to in the '80s and '90s when I grew up. But it still sounds like October Tide."


The sound of October Tide, aside from being doom intertwined melodeath, is fronted by emotionally compelling guitar work, known to subside into melancholic and introspective tones. Even though the band has shapeshifted over the years - starting off as a duo of Katatonia fame musicians, Fredrik Norrman and Jonas Renske, back in 1994 - it has retained and evolved its trademark formula. The present-day lineup, intact since 2016, features said guitarist & founder Fredrik Norrman, second guitarist & Fredrik's brother Mattias Norrman (Katatonia), vocalist Alexander Högbom (Demonical), bassist Johan Jönsegård (Letters From The Colony) and drummer Jonas Sköld (Letters From The Colony / Thenighttimeproject).




The Cancer Pledge was recorded and produced in 2023 by October Tide and Karl Daniel Lidén (Bloodbath, Katatonia). The latter mixed and mastered the album, whose cover artwork was designed by Albin Högbom. 





Tracklisting:


"Peaceful, Quiet, Safe"
"Tapestry Of Our End"
"Unprecedented Aggression"
"Blodfattig"
"The Cancer Pledge"
"I Know Why I'm Cold"
"Season Of Arson"
"Breathe The Water"


October Tide will hit the road on the day of album release, commencing the first part of the album-promoting tour in Germany, through Belgium, France, Czech Republic and Poland.





(Photo credit: Daniel Jansson)

Metalville Records has announced October 27th as the international release date for a new live CD/DVD set from Johan Kihlberg's Impera, Scandinavium Alive.


Ever since he heard KISS' Alive for the first time in 1975, Johan Kihlberg has been a huge fan of the American band, and everything he did professionally later on has always revolved around KISS somehow. For example, he worked for Polygram Records in the '80s and '90s and got to know the guys from KISS during that time. At that time, he was also asked to lead their fan club.


Later, Johan Kihlberg toured with Vinnie Vincent and had some guest appearances with Bruce Kulick, who also played on the Impera debut, Legacy Of Life, in 2012.




In 2017, Johan Kihlberg published the book Kiss Klassified, in which he talks about his life with KISS.


After the announcement that KISS would be coming to Europe for some shows in 2020, it was all too understandable that Johan Kihlberg immediately tried to get his band Impera to support him at a show in Sweden. And indeed, just one week later, they were confirmed as special guests at the KISS show in Gothenburg. But then Corona came, and the concerts were put on hold.


On June 6, 2022, the time had finally come, and Johan Kilhberg's Impera entered the stage of the sold-out Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg.


The lineup of this unique show consisted of Lars Chriss from Lion's Share on lead guitar; Mats Vassfjord, who has been with Impera since the beginning, on bass; Magnus Ulfstedt (ex-Eclipse) on drums; Jonny Lindkvist (Nocturnal Rites) as singer; and Johan Kihlberg as second guitarist.


The gig was a milestone in Johan Kihlberg's music career and also for the rest of the band, as all musicians who were onstage together that night are big KISS fans.


The setlist consisted mainly of songs from the latest Impera album, Spirit Of Alchemy, plus a few tracks from Age Of Discovery. The show was filmed in full length and is, besides the audio version of the concert, part of the soon-to-be-released CD/DVD set Scandinavium Alive.


The CD also features a very special, previously unreleased bonus track. In the autumn of 2022, Johan Kihlberg was asked by the producers of the feature film Black Hills (an action film that will be released this fall) whether he could write the film music, and whether Johan Kihlberg's Impera could also contribute the title song "Fighter"M which will now be available for the first time on Scandinavium Alive. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:





"Nothing Will Last"
"Lost Your Life To Rock 'N' Roll"
"That's The Way That Life Goes"
"When Souls Collide"
"All About You"
"Fear"
"In Heaven"
"Fighter"*


*CD track only 





 

The Jarisse Moore YouTube channel has uploaded video of STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' August 3 performance at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California as the support act for SMASHING PUMPKINS. Check out the clips below.

In a recent interview with Chasta Michaelis of San Francisco's 107.7 The Bone radio station, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS bassist Robert DeLeo was asked if his group was fairly labeled as part of the grunge movement associated with the U.S. Northwest back the early 1990s when they came out with their debut album, "Core", and follow-up effort, "Purple". He responded: "I don't think the four of us ever put any kind of name on what kind of music we were making. We happened to come out at a time when the people in this business were creating these terms. It's a selling point — it's all a selling point — and we got caught up, as well as other bands, in a selling point for record companies to make money. And I think when you can obviously see that is when they start doing clothing after it. It's all pretty ridiculous.

"'Interstate Love Song' — grunge? I don't think so," he continued. "I actually wrote that as a bossa nova song; that's what it started out as."

Robert released his first solo album, "Lessons Learned", last October. Robert played virtually all the instruments on the album, complemented by guest musicians and vocalists, all of which lend to the undeniable intimacy of the music.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS features three original members — Robert DeLeo, guitarist Dean DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz.

Singer Jeff Gutt, a 47-year-old Michigan native who spent time in the early-2000s nu-metal act DRY CELL, among other bands, and was a contestant on "The X Factor", joined STONE TEMPLE PILOTS after beating out roughly 15,000 hopefuls during an extended search that began more than a year earlier.

Original STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland, who reunited with the group in 2010 after an eight-year hiatus but was dismissed in 2013, died in December 2015 of a drug overdose.

Chester Bennington, who joined STP in early 2013, departed nearly three years later to spend more time with his main band LINKIN PARK. Bennington committed suicide in July 2017.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS released their first all-acoustic album, titled "Perdida", in February 2020. The disc was Gutt's second with STP. His recording debut with the group was on its self-titled seventh album, which arrived in March 2018.

Cinematic rockers Earthside have announced the release of their  sophomore album, Let The Truth Speak, due November 17 via Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group. The upcoming studio full-length is the follow up to their 2015 debut, A Dream In Static.


Alongside the announcement, the band has revealed the official video for the album's epic title track, which features TesseracT’s Daniel Tompkins & internationally renowned vocal performer Gennady Tkachenko-Papizh.


"If truth is so important—so hallowed that we hold it as perhaps our most sacred tenet—then why do we go to such great lengths to deny it the moment it makes us uncomfortable or goes against our narrative?"




The explosive title track of the album carries a feeling of culmination—the fully unexpected but fittingly show-stopping point of arrival in the album’s tumultuous pursuit of truth. A full string section—an overarching element of the record’s sound—jostles with violent rhythms, eldritch scales, and the unprecedented pairing of Earthside alum and TesseracT frontman Daniel Tompkins' indomitable vocal dexterity and world-music ace Gennady Tkachenko Papizh’s jaw-dropping vocalizations and cinematic wails. These elements all crescendo to an ending climax that is a unanimous favourite moment of the album for the band.


Having worked together once before on a track that would become one of the group’s most popular songs, both Earthside and Daniel Tompkins had a desire to collaborate on a more adventurous piece of material that would push the limits of their creativity.


Gennady Tkachenko-Papizh is renowned across Europe as a one-of-a-kind artist having appeared on the ‘Got Talent’ circuit, coming to recognition through his unforgettable performance on Georgia’s Got Talent. Gennady transforms his voice into everything from celestial soundscapes, to haunting Mediterranean cries and shamanic whispers.


When Earthside discovered Gennady through a particularly enlightened fan’s recommendation, they wanted to be the first band in rock or metal to share his monumental gift with the world.


Watch the video for "Let The Truth Speak" below.


Eight long years removed from their critically show-stopping entrance A Dream In Static (2015), the idealistic thinkers and feelers in Earthside found themselves in a different world entirely… or, perhaps, a world more honest and unhinged than they, and many others, had bargained for.


"This album almost destroyed our lives and friendships,” keyboardist and co-orchestrator Frank Sacramone confides, "It's insanity, but it is beautiful.”


“'A Dream In Static was more of an *I* album,” reflects guitarist and orchestrator Jamie van Dyck, “Each of us in our own way was engaging topics of self-actualization and the fear of never quite becoming. Let The Truth Speak, however, turns its focus to the *We*. Within months of releasing ADIS, the global landscape had changed to where issues of far more consequence than our own individual dreams coming true were tugging at us. We became far more consumed with the trajectory of humanity as a whole than our own legacies therein.”


Let The Truth Speak is truly an international affair, featuring vocalists and storytellers from all walks of life and corners of the globe.


Let The Truth Speak will be available in the following formats:


- 2LP Transparent Red
- CD
- Digital


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"But What If We're Wrong" (feat. Sandbox Percussion)
"We Who Lament" (feat. Keturah)
"Tyranny" (feat. Pritam Adhikary of Aarlon)
"Pattern Of Rebirth" (feat. AJ Channer of Fire From The Gods)
"Watching The Earth Sink"
"The Lesser Evil" (feat. Larry Braggs & Sam Gendel)
"Denial's Aria" (feat. Keturah, VikKe & Duo Scorpio)
"Vespers" (feat. Gennady Tkachenko-Papizh & VikKe)
"Let The Truth Speak" (feat. Daniel Tompkins of TesseracT & Gennady Tkachenko-Papizh)
"All We Knew And Ever Loved" (feat. Baard Kolstad of Leprous)


"Let The Truth Speak" video:





"Who We Lament" visualizer:





"All We Knew And Ever Loved" video:





Earthside are:


Jamie van Dyck - Guitars, backing vocals, programming, keyboards
Ben Shanbrom - drums, backing vocals
Frank Sacramone - Keyboards, synthesizers, programming, percussion, guitar
Ryan Griffin - Bass, backing vocals


(Photo - Justin Burocki)

Mantar have released a new digital single and music video, "Valhalla Hammering". Watch the clip below.





Hanno Klänhardt comments: "'Valhalla Hammering' is one of those songs that we instantly fell in love with but never made it on the album last year. It's one of those songs that you do not write to create an "instant classic" but much rather in order to entertain yourself as a songwriter. It's about 7 minutes long but we really liked the concept of having the most catchy, on point songs all on the last Album so it never really found its place.




I actually already knew it most likely would not end up on the album when I was writing it. In fact I wrote it with the plan already in my mind to release it quite some time AFTER we would release Pain Is Forever And This Is The End in order to present something completely different as a next move. It's always good to cause confusion.


The first two minutes are kinda a homage to our VERY early days when Doom as a genre was more important to us. You can hear that for instance on the last song of our first album. It's a song called 'March Of The Crowes'. People often said that slow SUPER heavy suited us well but we were also always very song orientated, so with Valhalla Hammering we accomplished the best of both worlds. Slow, heavy groove and a catchy, almost trippy hook. Also We have a freakin' flute solo around 5 minutes in. This very well might be considered the highlight of our songwriting career.


The video for the song is just as trippy as the song itself. Based on a documentary by Amsterdam based artist Willehad Eilers aka Wayne Horse. Creating the footage was way beyond a regular video shoot and to be quite frank some of it better not be explained any further. Even if we wanted to, we can't. Enjoy the ride."





Founded in 2012, Mantar stands among the leading forces in extreme metal within the last ten years. Loved by fans and press alike, the band took the world by storm with their truly unique sound, leading them to the Top 10 in the official German album charts with 2018's The Modern Art Of Setting Ablaze and sold out shows throughout Europe.


Mantar's current full-length album, Pain Is Forever And This Is The End, was released via Metal Blade Records on July 15, 2022 and hit charts in the US and Europe including #2 Official German Album Charts, #43 Top 100 Swiss Album Charts, #60 Current Hard Music (Billboard USA), and #69 Top 75 Austria.





Pain Is Forever And This Is The End tracklisting:


"Egoisto"
"Hang 'Em Low (So The Rats Can Get 'Em)"
"Grim Reaping"
"Orbital Pus"
"Piss Ritual"
"Of Frost and Decay"
"Walking Corpse"
"New Age Pagan"
"Horder"
"Odysseus"


"Odysseus" video:





"Hang 'Em Low (So The Rats Can Get 'Em)" video:





The band has upcoming appearances at Party.San, Desertfest and more.





Mantar is:


Hanno Klänhardt - guitars, vocals
Erinc Sakarya - drums


(Photo - Matthis Van DerMeulen)

A black double vinyl edition of Black Sabbath's The Ultimate Collection will be release on October 6, and is available for pre-order now.


Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham in 1968 by Ozzy Osbourne (lead vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums and percussion). Originally formed as a heavy blues-rock band named Earth, the band began incorporating occult and horror-inspired lyrics with tuned-down guitars, changing their name to Black Sabbath and releasing multiple gold and platinum records in the 1970s.


The Ultimate Collection was curated by band members, resulting in a 17-track collection that features the band’s classic songs including “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.” and “The Wizard,” as well as choice cuts from their classic albums. Remastered by renowned engineer Andy Pearce (Motörhead, Deep Purple, Lou Reed, Iggy & The Stooges) in 2009.




The collection is the definitive accompaniment for all Sabbath fans as well as those with a love of hard rock.





Tracklisting:


"Paranoid"
"Iron Man"
"Children Of The Grave"
"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath"
"Back Street Kids"
"War Pigs"
"Black Sabbath"
"Sweet Leaf"
"Snowblind"
"Hole In The Sky"
"N.I.B."
"Planet Caravan"
"Never Say Die"
"The Wizard"
"Fairies Wear Boots"
"Supernaut"
"Changes"

German pioneers of industrial metal, Megaherz, enter the last round before releasing their upcoming full-length album, In Teufels Namen (out tomorrow, August 11 via Napalm Records) by unveiling its title track. The release of their tenth studio album will be celebrated with a highlight show taking place on Saturday at the notable M’era Luna Festival.


With millions of views on YouTube and a #7 peak charting position garnered by their previous album, Komet (2018, Official German Album Charts), the industrial metal legends continue their legacy with the epic song “In Teufels Namen” (EN: "In the Devil's Name"). The new album’s title track, “In Teufels Namen”, is nothing but direct - detailing their critique on the church as an institution. The single comes with a lyric video, accompanied by gripping visuals. Watch the video below, and make sure to catch Megaherz on their European co-headline tour with Combichrist this fall.
 
Megaherz on “In Teufels Namen”: “’In Teufels Namen’, it embodies everything this album stands for. A fat guitar riff, hard, cynical lyrics about the decay of our values and the double standards with which we justify each of our mistakes, and a brutal, epic chorus that resonates like an infernal echo of our downfall. We're looking forward to presenting the first songs from our new album to a wide audience at M’era Luna. We're already incredibly excited about your reactions and can't wait for the joint tour with Combichrist to finally begin.”







Megaherz’s new album begins strongly with the epic title track “In Teufels Namen” (EN: "In the Devil's Name"), detailing their critique on the church as an institution. On “Der König Der Dummen” (EN: “The King Of The Fools”), one of the heaviest songs on the record, the quintet doesn’t mince words once again, commenting on conspiracy theorists in their tinfoil hats. The hypnotizing track “Amnesie” (EN: “Amnesia”) is heavily built on electronic-inspired beats and melodies, while chanting anthem of the free spirited, “Freigeist”, features catchy synths and a sing-along chorus. On tracks like “Rabenherz” (EN: “Raven Heart”) and “Engelsgesicht” (EN: "Angel face"), the band show an emotional facet, while the second is a reminiscent of the band’s all-time hit “Miststück” (EN: “Bitch”). "Menschenhasser” is a powerful, fast Neue Deutsche Härte track that eases into the breather "Ich Hasse (Epilog)" (EN: "I Hate (Epilogue)"), featuring emotional keys, before the empowering “Auf dem Weg zur Sonne” (EN: “On My Way To The Sun”) showcases their vulnerable side before closing the album. Overall, In Teufels Namen is an energetic ride providing the listener with pure industrial metal at its best.


Megaherz on their new album: “We are happy to finally release our new album, In Teufels Namen, and it hits with full force. In Teufels Namen is an album steeped in dark themes and strong emotions. We went deep into the abyss of human nature and the result is songs that powerfully and uncompromisingly unleash an energy that will sweep you away.”





In Teufels Namen will be available in the following formats:


- 2 CD Deluxe Box (incl. Ltd. Digisleeve, bonus CD with 6 previously unreleased tracks, pocket bottle, art print (15x15cm)) - limited to 300 copies
- 1 LP Gatefold Clear Blue – limited to 500 copies, GSA only
- 1 LP Gatefold Black – limited to 300 copies
- 1 CD Digisleeve + Shirt Bundle
- 1 CD Limited Digisleeve
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





In Teufels Namen tracklisting:


"In Teufels Namen"
"Rabenherz"
"Engelsgesicht"
"Freigeist"
"Kannst du den Himmel sehn?"
"Der König Der Dummen"
"Amnesie"
"Alles Arschlöcher"
"Menschenhasser"
"Ich Hasse (Epilog)"
"Auf dem Weg zur Sonne"


"Engelsgesicht" video:





"Alles Arschlöcher" video:





Megaherz are:


Lex - Vocals
X-ti - Guitars & Samples
Chris - Guitar
Wenz - Bass
Maxx - Drums


(Photo - Franz Schepers)

Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing's new band KK'S PRIEST was one of the headliners of this year's Leyendas Del Rock festival on Wednesday, August 9 in in Villena, Alicante, Spain. Video of the entire performance is available below.

The setlist was as follows:

01. Hellfire Thunderbolt
02. One More Shot At Glory
03. The Ripper (JUDAS PRIEST song)
04. Reap The Whirlwind
05. Night Crawler (JUDAS PRIEST song)
06. Sermons Of The Sinner
07. Burn In Hell (JUDAS PRIEST song)
08. Beyond The Realms Of Death (JUDAS PRIEST song)
09. Hell Patrol (JUDAS PRIEST song)
10. Metal Meltdown (JUDAS PRIEST song)
11. Brothers Of The Road
12. The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown) (FLEETWOOD MAC cover)
13. Breaking The Law (JUDAS PRIEST song)
14. Victim Of Changes (JUDAS PRIEST song)
15. Raise Your Fists

KK'S PRIEST made its live debut on July 6 at Downing's KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

Downing is joined in KK'S PRIEST by former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens, along with guitarist A.J. Mills (HOSTILE),bassist Tony Newton (VOODOO SIX) and drummer Sean Elg (DEATHRIDERS, CAGE).

KK'S PRIEST performed tracks from the band's debut album, 2021's "Sermons Of The Sinner", plus new material from KK'S PRIEST as-yet-unreleased second LP, "The Sinner Rides Again", as well as many a PRIEST classic thrown in for good measure.

"The Sinner Rides Again" will be released on September 29 via the Austrian rock and metal empire Napalm Records. The nine-song effort was produced and written by Downing and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen.

Downing said about "The Sinner Rides Again": "To continue the legacy of the traditional rock and metal that I have been so fortunate to be a part of for over 50 years, this latest album, 'The Sinner Rides Again', has been created to take the listener on a journey that is both real and fictional with its characters, although sometimes ambiguous. These songs allow the imaginations of all fans of this wonderful genre of music to escape reality and join with us to continue our heavy metal experience into the future."

KK'S PRIEST will embark October U.K. headlining tour. The "Priests, Killers & Witches" tour starts at the O2 Institute in Birmingham on Saturday, October 7, and visits London, Glasgow, Manchester and Nottingham. Special guest on all dates will be Di'Anno who will be performing a full set of classics straight from the first two MAIDEN records, and opening up the bill is BURNING WITCHES.

"Sermons Of The Sinner" was released in October 2021 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records.

Downing spent four months writing and recording "Sermons Of The Sinner" and, along with new ideas, he even resurrected a few archived riffs from the 1980s.

K.K. formed KK'S PRIEST after JUDAS PRIEST turned down his offer to rejoin the band for their 50th-anniversary tour. It followed a couple of celebrated stage appearances, first with former MANOWAR guitarist Ross The Boss in the summer of 2019, then with a one-off lineup that included former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson and former PRIEST drummer Les Binks later that year.

In a recent interview with Ernest Skinner of Border City Rock Talk, Owens spoke about the upcoming sophomore album from KK'S PRIEST. He said: "It's really good too. I like it better [than the debut LP]. It's a little heavier, a little edgier on the vocals — and even music, I think."

Downing was reunited with JUDAS PRIEST for a performance at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony last November at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award at the event, which honored Eminem, Dolly Parton, DURAN DURAN, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, EURYTHMICS and Carly Simon in the Performers category.

Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance. He was replaced by Richie Faulkner, nearly three decades his junior.

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 Glenn Tipton's decision to retire from touring.

Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 and recorded two studio albums with the band — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before PRIEST reunited with Rob Halford in 2003.

Nearly two years ago, Downing said that he had no problems with fans making comparisons between PRIEST and KK'S PRIEST. "It's absolutely fine, because it's who I am and what I am and what I do and how I do it," he told Brazilian journalist Igor Miranda. "It's too late to change; I can't change. I can't go out and buy different guitars and different amplifiers and start to write differently and think differently. I have to do things the way that I like them to be done. And that's what I did in JUDAS PRIEST for all those years to the best of my ability. But even now that I don't have to consult with anyone else, really, then I feel a lot more freedom to be able to do this.

"I think I can do what I do better now than I did before, if that makes any sense," he continued. "Because I'm working and writing and putting things together for me — and, obviously, of course, the rest of the members in [KK'S PRIEST] as well. But I was on my own, for the most part, in the lockdown doing this. But there was a lot of things I wanted to say and get off my chest.

"The [KK'S PRIEST] album's full of emotions, sentiments and messages and also rejoicement. It's a lot of things, all in one package. And it was very important for me to be able to express myself through this album.

"I know that people will make comparisons, but that's fine. I either succeed or fail, like everyone else in life. But I'm a fan of this wonderful style of music, and if I like it, I'm hopefully sure that the fans will like it too. And I really hope they do. And I'm very much looking forward to the feedback from everybody all over the world.

"Towards the end for me in JUDAS PRIEST, it wasn't as energized as it was in former years, and I missed that. I remember the days when Rob [Halford, PRIEST singer] used to come offstage and he used to empty his boots out, and the water — which was sweat — used to just pour out of the boots. And it was the same for all of us. It was like we ran a marathon or something. So, hopefully we deliver that up. So I'm looking forward to doing that. I'm definitely gonna do my best, put it that way."

In September 2021, Owens said that there was no competition between JUDAS PRIEST and KK'S PRIEST. "I don't think we look at it [like that]," he told The Rock Experience With Mike Brunn in an interview. "There's one JUDAS PRIEST. They're JUDAS PRIEST. If [K.K. and I] wanted to take that angle, we would have called [our new band] KK'S JUDAS PRIEST. But I think fans are happy 'cause they know they do have two things that are the same vein, and they have K.K. back. I went nowhere — I've been putting music out like crazy — but they have Ken and I back together again. So there's no competition. I mean, how awesome would it be if we do shows with them? I don't care. I really don't. I love the guys in PRIEST. Rob's [Halford, PRIEST singer] my idol. And Richie [Faulkner, PRIEST guitarist] and I are friends. But this isn't a competition. We're not trying to make it a competition or another JUDAS PRIEST. That's why we put an album out first; that was the difference. If we were trying to make it that, we would start touring right away, doing the back catalog."

Asked if KK'S PRIEST is really open to touring with JUDAS PRIEST, Tim said: "I'm open to anything. I've never burned bridges. From the sounds of it, it's never gonna happen. 'Cause it never happened with me. I tried to get BEYOND FEAR to support JUDAS PRIEST on tour. Wendy Dio was my manager, and they were, like, 'Absolutely not. You're not gonna support us.' But we're all friends. I mean, I'm speaking for me — I'm not speaking for Ken. But, yeah, listen, I always look at it as how much fans would love stuff. How cool would it be if that happened?"

OTEP, the band led by singer, poet, illustrator, author and activist Otep Shamaya, will release a new studio album, "The God Slayer", on September 15 via Cleopatra. The follow-up to 2018's "Kult 45" offers up a mix of inspired original tracks as well as transformative takes on chart-topping hits from a variety of influences, including pop, rap and grunge, by such artists as Eminem, Billie Eilish, SLIPKNOT, Lil Peep and Olivia Rodrigo.

The LP's second single, "Ostracized", is the first original song from the upcoming album. Shamaya harnesses the power of her raw, unapologetic emotion and passion-filled poetry, which act as the driving forces behind "Ostracized". This dynamic musical masterpiece was forged in the fire of unadulterated rage, with an edge sharpened by an ear-shattering blend of high screams, death growls, and guttural vocals, galvanized by gritty guitar, pounding drums, and a face-melting solo, courtesy of VIGIL OF WAR guitarist Kiki Wong.

The first single from "The God Slayer", a cover of Eilish's "You Should See Me In A Crown", was releases during OTEP's U.S. tour earlier this year and has been generating massive buzz as well as landing in top 10 most popular tracks on Spotify.

"The God Slayer" track listing:

01. My Violent Appetites
02. Ostracized
03. Good 4 U
04. Exit Wounds
05. You Should See Me In A Crown
06. The Way I Am
07. California Girls
08. Pet
09. Territorial Pissings
10. Star Shopping
11. Purity
12. God Slayer

Not only is Shamaya a revered musical figure, known for her intrepid blending of metal genres and hip-hop, as exemplified on her notorious 2002 debut album "Sevas Tra", but she's also amassed an enormous following based on her fearless performances and confrontational, spiritually tinged lyrics. It's that combination of radical artistry and galvanizing message that the world desperately needs now more than ever, and OTEP is ready to answer the call.

"You Should See Me In A Crown" was the lead single from the 2018 debut album of another controversial female figure who cut across musical and social norms to carve out an identity all her own. That artist is, of course, Billie Eilish, and OTEP's cover version is no mere homage to a young acolyte but rather a radical reimagining of the song that mines all of its dark sonic complexity as well as its bold lyrical message, transforming it into the kind of modern metal epic that nobody does better than OTEP.

As Shamaya herself puts it: "To me the song is a warning against cultural reduction, biased underestimation and the volatile anti-Newtonian reaction of judging someone before you know their true power."

Last September, Shamaya told the 96.7 KCAL-FM program "Wired In The Empire" about the songwriting process for OTEP's new album: "This record actually was written with a couple of different songwriters, which I was really excited to work with. 'Kult 45' was my last album, which is four years old now. It's insane to believe that it's been four years, but it has. When I went back in the studio, the band had sort of dispersed at that point — everybody was trying to make a living and trying to find other jobs — and so I just went to the producer and we sat down and we found some really, really talented, creative people. And even though I've been doing this for a long time and have accomplished a lot — at least I think I have — I really work best with mentors. I like people that are, I feel, creatively better than I am so that I can have this sort of spiritual intercourse between all of us where we're sort of sharing ideas and I'm inspiring them and they're inspiring me."

Throughout the span of her career, Shamaya has been an undeniable force in bringing awareness via various acclaimed mediums to social and political injustices felt by various communities and subcultures. For years, publications such as Revolver magazine have lauded Shamaya for "following in the footsteps of outspoken musicians from folk singer Woody Guthrie to RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Zach de la Rocha, dubbing her "one of music's catalysts for social change".

OTEP's latest album, the aforementioned "Kult 45", was recorded at The Lair in Los Angeles, completely utilizing the same equipment used for OTEP's first album, "Sevas Tra" (down to Shamaya's vocal microphone, a SHURE Beta 58),in order to create a sound reminiscent of their roots. "Kult 45" was produced by the band, with assistant engineering from Larry Goetz, Nicolas Schilke and Lizzy Ostro.

In a new interview with the Tucson, Arizona radio station KFMA, vocalist Oli Sykes of British rockers BRING ME THE HORIZON spoke about how he feels about those fans who think the band's more recent musical output has veered too far away from BRING ME THE HORIZON's early metalcore sound.

He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think I've managed over recent years to soften my approach to what those… It's very easy for them people to piss you off and you're just, like, 'Fuck off.' But at the end of the day they just love your band and something you did meant so much to them that they just want you to do it again. And you've just gotta realize that even though it might annoy you, it comes from a place of love. And rather than fighting back, you've just gotta appreciate that and appreciate the fact that… and sometimes maybe it even makes you question yourself as well.

"To a certain degree, we can't be the band that we used to be," he continued. "We wouldn't know how to do it, and we wouldn't know how to do it with any authenticity or integrity. Because we grow and we age and we mature and our tastes change, the same like the way your taste buds change; it just does, and there's nothing you can do about that. But sometimes those people can remind you, like, 'Wait. Are we losing what makes us special?' And that's what I've asked myself over the years. It's, like, some people that are sad because we're not as heavy anymore or whatever, do they have a point?

"There's not many bands like BRING ME THE HORIZON anymore that are in the kind of mainstream stuff," Sykes added. "And sometimes you almost wanna con… not conform, but sometimes, like our band, 10 years ago [I never would have thought] that anyone would've ever said our band are gonna headline festivals one day or that could be the biggest rock band in the world. And then, all of a sudden, those kind of ideas started formulating and people saying them. And that can go to your head, and then you can start going, 'Oh, maybe we can.' And sometimes you get so preoccupied whether you could that you don't stop to think whether you should. And I definitely feel like I've listened to some of the fans over the years and, like, you know what? They're right. We shouldn't water our shit down. Because we're like one of the last bands that still do heavy music right. So all that stuff just keeps you in line, and you've just gotta realize it all comes from a place of love and don't let it piss you off. And at the same time stay true to yourself. We can't write music for the fans; it's impossible. But we can let what they say resonate with us and not just automatically, like, knee-jerk reaction of like, 'Fuck you. We'll do what we want.'"

BRING ME THE HORIZON will release its seventh full-length studio album, "Post Human: NeX GEn", on September 15 via Columbia Records. The LP will continue the band's "Post Human" series, which began with the 2020 EP "Post Human: Survival Horror".

Two months ago, Sykes told NME about "Post Human: NeX GEn": "LINKIN PARK were the first band that I got into, but when I found GLASSJAW is when I became obsessed with music and knew I wanted to be a singer, so the album pays homage to that."

He continued: "I wouldn't say it's a hyper-pop album, but I've definitely been inspired by that world. I admire how obnoxious, trashy and in your face that music feels, which is what I was drawn to when I got into emo, hardcore and screamo.

"It's not that we've lost that in our music, but as you become a bigger band, things do get more polished. I want to go the opposite way. Let's be unhinged, let's stop trying to make all the edges smooth."

The frontman went on to explain how "the hope is that this record is pure fun" with "no limits on how or what we want to express."

"There's no, 'That song could be played on the radio if we don't scream,'" he revealed. "It's almost like we’re connecting to that time before BRING ME THE HORIZON had any prospects of being a big band. Back then, there was never anything but, 'What do you want to make?' — so we're trying to tap back into that."

BRING ME THE HORIZON is Sykes, guitarist Lee Malia, bassist Matt Kean, drummer Mat Nicholls, and keyboardist Jordan Fish.

British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have released a video message thanking fans for coming out to see them on the just-completed European leg of "The Future Past Tour".

"The Future Past Tour" features previously unperformed songs from MAIDEN's most recent studio album, "Senjutsu", along with a focus on 1986's "Somewhere In Time" LP, plus other classic cuts.

In the three-minute video message, which can be seen below, singer Bruce Dickinson stated: "We're just coming to the end of the first 35 shows, something like that. And we're having a little, a little break, not too much. And then we've got three Canadian shows [in late September and early October], which will be great to go on a little run around Western Canada. And then we go out to the desert for Power Trip [festival in Indio, California]."

As for MAIDEN's post-Power Trip plans, Bruce said cryptically: "Something else will happen. I can't tell you what. But you'll be happy."

The European leg of "The Future Past Tour" saw MAIDEN play a 15-song set that included "Days Of Future Past", "The Time Machine", "Death Of The Celts" and "Hell On Earth" from "Senjutsu", along with "Alexander The Great" from "Somewhere In Time".

"Senjutsu" came out in September 2021. It marked MAIDEN's second consecutive double album behind 2015's "The Book Of Souls" which is the longest MAIDEN album, with a running time of 92 minutes.

IRON MAIDEN's first album in six years, "Senjutsu" was recorded in 2019 in Paris with longstanding producer Kevin Shirley and co-produced by bassist Steve Harris. It features three tracks whose running time exceeds 10 minutes each.

For "Senjutsu" — loosely translated as "tactics and strategy" — the band once again enlisted the services of Mark Wilkinson to create the spectacular Samurai-themed cover artwork, based on an idea by Harris.

"Senjutsu" bowed at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, charting higher than even the band's early classics like "Powerslave" and "The Number Of The Beast". Nearly 90 percent of the LP's 64,000 equivalent album units earned came from pure album sales. The critically acclaimed double album debuted one place higher than 2015's "The Book Of Souls" and 2010's "The Final Frontier", which both peaked at No. 4.

"Senjutsu" was MAIDEN's 13th album to top in the Top 40 in the U.S.

In a new interview with Chris Akin Presents, former ACCEPT and current U.D.O. frontman Udo Dirkschneider spoke about the realities of post-pandemic touring, including increased travel expenses — gas, tour buses, hotels and flight costs. Udo said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's not so easy. We are in a, let's say, good situation money-wise, that we can [go on the road], but we also have to see, some things that the prices are exploding at the moment. But it works for us. But I know a lot of bands, they cannot go on tour anymore. And also the situation with guitar techs and drum techs and all this stuff, now they're so expensive. And [during] the corona [pandemic], a lot of guitar techs [were] going to a different job and not coming back, and now there are not that many people left. And now they can say, 'Yeah, I cost' whatever, and they can make their prices like they want. And also there are not enough people there anymore. Nightliners are more expensive — unbelievable. The costs are [through the roof]. It's not so easy. Okay, we are lucky, but I think for a lot of bands, it's a big problem."

Financial issues are continuing to wreak havoc on the touring industry, with the economics of the business simply not adding up.

Acts of all sizes are canceling or postponing shows, with several claiming that it was "not sustainable" for them to go ahead with the tours.

For many midsized acts, ticket sales are not even enough to cover their overheads.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD singer M. Shadows said in a recent interview that the busing on the band's upcoming tour will cost two million dollars more than it did prior to the pandemic.

This past June, MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine told The Jeremy White Show that "it's pretty expensive" for him and his bandmates to tour nowadays. "I think it's about 45 thousand dollars a day for us just to sit still," he said. "I think — it might be 52. But that's just sitting still; that's not doing a show. Show days are more expensive… [That's] salaries, hotel rooms, insurance — everything. The buses, the bus drivers, the trucks, the truck drivers. Yeah, a lot of stuff."

Last October, SHINEDOWN canceled its previously announced fall 2022 dates in continental Europe due to "economic and logistical side of touring". ANTHRAX also canceled shows in continental Europe as part of its fall 2022 touring activities, citing "ongoing logistical issues" and "costs that are out of our control."

Two months ago, DEVILDRIVER and COAL CHAMBER frontman Dez Fafara told the "Heavy Metal Mayhem" radio show that more and more artists are opening about the financial realities of post-pandemic touring. "The business of it is getting really called into the forefront now because bands are starting to talk about the business," he said. "Before, it was kind of taboo to talk about what you make on tour, what you don't make on tour, if touring is hard monetarily. Five, ten years ago, people didn't talk about how much buses were or how much it was to tour. And now it's coming to the forefront, because everything has tripled.

"I said to somebody the other day, 'I don't know a young guy in a van is gonna do it. I don't know how you're gonna do it,'" he continued. "And to give you an example, I have a huge management company. I had a band go out on a small little run. They came home with 235 thousand dollars [gross], but with all of the costs and with everything else, the band made 12 thousand dollars. And that's with merch — everything. 240 grand — the band came home with 12 grand. I mean, it's insanity. And I don't know what's gonna happen. I don't think the buses are ever gonna come down. I don't think the crews are ever gonna come down. I don't think lighting that's doubled, gas that's tripled, I don't see any of that returning back to form to where people can do this. So it's gonna be a real rough go.

"We're all facing those things now," Dez added. "I've got a second leg getting with DEVILDRIVER and CRADLE OF FILTH — it's gonna [take place in] October — and I'm looking at the money, I'm looking at the budgets, and I'm, like, 'Wow. This is rough.' Even COAL CHAMBER going out with MUDVAYNE, I'm looking at everybody's budgets, I'm looking at what everything costs, and it's, like, insane what it costs."

When the interviewer suggested that the increased costs will ultimately be passed on to the fans in the form of higher ticket prices, Dez said: "I just read a thread online — on Reddit, actually — where fans are talking about that, and they're boycotting. They're, like, 'Fuck you. I'm not gonna pay the money.' But, yeah, we have to pass it on to the promoters. We have to say, 'Look, my buses are triple. My crew is double. My gas is triple.' Tolls have gone up because the United States, every fucking five minutes you're stopping at a toll road now. They've taken that directly from Europe; they've learned that they can do that now. I'm just going over a budget for a previous run of a band that I manage, and they paid 4800 dollars in toll costs. So how is this supposed to work?

"So, yes, we have to pass it on to the promoter, which is gonna pass it on to… The tickets are gonna be higher," Dez concurred. "And then the fans are gonna get pissed, and they're either gonna boycott it or they're gonna go, 'No, I'll pay 50 bucks to see my favorite band.' But what they're not gonna do is go to two, three shows a week anymore. And that same fan that used to go to two, three shows, he's going to one or two a month now. So… I don't know. It's rough. It's definitely rough. And it's not just rough for the small guys… And we manage some pretty big bands over here. And I look at budgets all day long; that's my forte, man. And I don't see how we can cut… You can't cut it. It's, like, 'Well, we need to take a bus.' Well, that same bus that was 350 dollars a day is 750, 800 a day. That same driver that was 200 a day is 550, 600 a day. That same hotel for the driver that was 120 a day is 250 a day. That same Uber that took the driver to the fucking hotel room that cost you 23 dollars, it's 42 dollars. I mean, it's insanity what's happening."

Legendary rockers NIGHT RANGER will release a new live album, "40 Years And A Night With Contemporary Youth Orchestra", on October 20 via Frontiers Music Srl. The live album and live performance footage will be available on CD, vinyl (including limited editions),DVD, Blu-ray, and digitally across all streaming platforms worldwide. This release comes as they approach the anniversary of date it was recorded, just one year ago in Cleveland on November 9, 2022.

The first single from the album, "(You Can Still) Rock In America (Live)", is out today, along with a live music video.

NIGHT RANGER's Jack Blades said: "It was a dream come true to have NIGHT RANGER music accompanied by an entire symphonic band… including our own! Although now, we're spoiled, and we want to carry the orchestra with us everywhere we go!!"

Added NIGHT RANGER's Kelly Keagy: "Playing the show with the Cleveland CYO and being able to record It was an incredible and unique experience. To have younger musicians not only embrace but enjoy playing our music was a new high for us as a band. You could see all the hard work they put into rehearsals, and finally getting to perform it live was an incredible new benchmark in our career."

Said NIGHT RANGER's Brad Gillis: "I can check this one off my bucket list. Having the CYO backing us for this show was just amazing and it really took NIGHT RANGER to another level. Looking forward to its release and sharing with the world!"

"40 Years And A Night With Contemporary Youth Orchestra" track listing:

01. Intro
02. (You Can Still) Rock In America
03. Four In The Morning
04. Sing Me Away
05. Call My Name
06. Sentimental Street
07. High Road
08. Night Ranger
09. Goodbye
10. When You Close Your Eyes
11. Don't Tell Me You Love Me
12. Sister Christian
13. High Enough (bonus track; Japan)

This one-of-a-kind, one-night-only NIGHT RANGER performance with Cleveland's own Contemporary Youth Orchestra was at the Key Bank State Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio on November 9, 2022. The Contemporary Youth Orchestra (CYO) is made up of more than 80 musicians aged 12 to 18, representing more than 40 schools in Ohio. It fosters students' technical ability and creative growth in both an inspiring and supportive community. The students performed alongside NIGHT RANGER throughout their entire set and these unique renditions of their greatest hits was also their first time ever performing with a symphonic orchestra live. All of this is what made this a truly once-in-a-lifetime NIGHT RANGER concert event.

Contemporary Youth Orchestra was founded in 1995 and its mission is to change lives through the study and performance of new and contemporary music and introduce students to opportunities in the creative arts industries. The CYO vision is to create experiences that foster imagination, develop independent thinkers, and inspire confidence through music. Contemporary Youth Orchestra includes advanced ensembles that focus on the study and performance of orchestral works by living composers. In residence at Cuyahoga Community College (Metro Campus),CYO has grown to include a full orchestra, wind, string, and percussion ensembles. CYO inspires and nurtures young musicians as they are challenged to explore creativity, enhance their work ethic, and increase their capacity to function as a team. CYO musicians bring the energy of youth and the quality of professional playing to the concert stage. CYO has previously collaborated with JEFFERSON STARSHIP, STYX, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and Kenny Loggins (among others) for orchestral concerts featuring the artists' work.

NIGHT RANGER recently came off the nationwide "Parti-Gras" tour with Bret Michaels. They continue to play around the world in celebration of their 40th anniversary.

NIGHT RANGER is:

Jack Blades - Vocals, Bass
Kelly Keagy - Vocals, Drums
Brad Gillis - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Eric Levy - Keyboards
Keri Kelli - Lead, Rhythm Guitars

VAN HALEN will release a new boxed set this fall spotlighting the iconic band's second incarnation, with singer Sammy Hagar, guitarist Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony. The upcoming set includes newly remastered versions of four multi-platinum studio albums, along with a selection of rarities recorded between 1989 and 2004.

"The Collection II" will be available on October 6 on five LPs for $124.98 and five CDs for $49.98. All the music in the set was mastered directly from the original master tapes, a process overseen by the band's longtime engineer, Donn Landee.

The new set is the long-awaited sequel to "The Collection", a compilation released in 2015 that focused on the six studio albums recorded by the band's original lineup, which featured singer David Lee Roth. "The Collection II" picks up where its predecessor left off and covers the four consecutive No. 1 albums released during the Hagar era: "5150" (1986),"OU812" (1988),"For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" (1991) and "Balance" (1995).

The journey begins with "5150", VAN HALEN's seventh studio album and the band's first to claim the top spot on the Billboard 200. Certified platinum six times in the U.S., the record treated fans to hits like "Dreams", "Love Walks In" and "Why Can't This Be Love", which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The group returned two years later with "OU812", a quadruple-platinum smash that delivered four Billboard Hot 100 hits, including "Finish What Ya Started" and "When It's Love".

The accolades continued with "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge", which earned VAN HALEN its first Grammy Award for "Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album". Debuting at No. 1 and staying there for three weeks, the album achieved triple-platinum certification. The record produced an incredible seven singles, including hits like "Poundcake", "Top Of The World" and "Right Now".

In 1993, the band released its first live album, "Live: Right Here, Right Now", before returning in 1995 with "Balance", its final studio album with Hagar. The album was another commercial triumph, debuting at No. 1, selling more than three million copies, and earning a Grammy nomination for "The Seventh Seal".

"The Collection II" concludes with "Studio Rarities 1989-2004", an exclusive compilation that assembles eight gems from the Hagar era for the first time. Among these rarities is "Crossing Over", the B-side to "Balance"'s "Can't Stop Lovin' You" and the band's only non-album B-side.

The compilation boasts other exceptional highlights, including the band's cover of LITTLE FEAT's "A Apolitical Blues" and the instrumental "Baluchitherium", which were originally left off the vinyl versions of "OU812" and "Balance", respectively. Additionally, the set features two songs the band contributed to the "Twister" soundtrack — "Humans Being" and the Grammy-nominated "Respect The Wind".

Rounding out the set are "It's About Time", "Up For Breakfast" and "Learning To See", which were recorded during the band's temporary reunion with Hagar in 2004. All three debuted that year on VAN HALEN's second greatest-hits collection, "The Best Of Both Worlds".

"The Collection II" 5-LP track listing

LP One: 5150

Side One

01. Good Enough
02. Why Can't This Be Love
03. Get Up
04. Dreams
05. Summer Nights

Side Two

01. Best Of Both Worlds
02. Love Walks In
03. 5150
04. Inside

LP Two: OU812

Side One

01. Mine All Mine
02. When It's Love
03. A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)
04. Cabo Wabo

Side Two

01. Source Of Infection
02. Feels So Good
03. Finish What Ya Started
04. Black And Blue
05. Sucker In A 3 Piece

LP Three: For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge

Side One

01. Poundcake
02. Judgement Day
03. Spanked
04. Runaround
05. Pleasure Dome

Side Two

01. In 'N' Out
02. Man On A Mission
03. The Dream Is Over
04. Right Now
05. 316
06. Top Of The World

LP Four: Balance

Side One

01. The Seventh Seal
02. Can't Stop Lovin' You
03. Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
04. Amsterdam
05. Big Fat Money
06. Doin' Time

Side Two

01. Aftershock
02. Strung Out
03. Not Enough
04. Take Me Back (Déjà Vu)
05. Feelin'

LP Five: Studio Rarities 1989-2004

Side One

01. A Apolitical Blues
02. Crossing Over
03. Baluchitherium

Side Two

01. Humans Being
02. Respect The Wind
03. It's About Time
04. Up For Breakfast

Photo by Eika Aoshima (courtesy of Shore Fire Media)

TRIVIUM frontman Matt Heafy joined MEGADETH on stage last night (Tuesday, August 8) at the Orange Metalic Festival in Orange, France to perform the MEGADETH classic "Tornado Of Souls". Fan-filmed video of his appearance can be seen below.

TRIVIUM previously supported MEGADETH on the 2021 and 2022 legs of "The Metal Tour Of The Year". At the time Heafy told Classic Rock magazine that MEGADETH was "just unbelievable. Every single detail of their show is meticulous, and Dave Mustaine is still flawless," he said. "There is no one else on the planet like him."

In a 2020 interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, Heafy said: "MEGADETH was one of the very first metal bands I ever got into. 'Countdown To Extinction' was my first MEGADETH record, and then 'Rust In Peace' was my second MEGADETH record. They were right alongside METALLICA, PANTERA, SLAYER — the very first bands to show me what metal was."

MEGADETH kicked off the summer 2023 European leg of its "Crush The World" tour on July 23 at the Triple Thrash Triumph festival at Spodek in Katowice, Poland.

MEGADETH's current lineup includes guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, Belgian-born-and-now-Los-Angeles-based drummer Dirk Verbeuren, who had played with SOILWORK for more than a decade before joining MEGADETH, Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, who was previously best known for his work with ANGRA, and bassist James LoMenzo. James was MEGADETH's bass player in the mid-2000s and stepped back in as a touring member for the 2021 leg of "The Metal Tour Of The Year". In May 2022, it was announced that Lomenzo was officially rejoining the MEGADETH family.

Last September, MEGADETH's latest album, "The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!", debuted at the top of the charts during its first week of sales, taking the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200 as well as number ones on Top Album Sales, Top Current Albums Sales, Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums. "The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!" was the highest-charting MEGADETH album of all time around the world, notching No. 1 In Finland, No. 2 in australia, poland, Switzerland, and Scotland, No. 3 in the U.K., and more.

MEGADETH's previous top 10 entries on the Billboard 200 were "Countdown to Extinction" (No. 2, 1992),"Youthanasia" (No. 4, 1994),"Cryptic Writings" (No. 10, 1997),"United Abominations" (No. 8, 2007),"Endgame" (No. 9, 2009),"Super Collider" (No. 6, 2013) and "Dystopia" (No. 3, 2016).

MEGADETH recently received its thirteenth Grammy nomination for "Best Metal Performance" for the song "We'll Be Back" from "The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!".

MEGADETH won the 2017 Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance" for the title track of the band's 2016 album "Dystopia". This marked the group's twelfth Grammy nomination in this category (including nominations in the discontinued "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance" category).

Kingdom Of Tyrants, the US power/heavy metal band comprising veterans of the Boston metal scene, held their premier concert on August 5 at the Amvets in Randolph, MA. A live video for the track “The Judas Gate”, taken from their full-length debut Architects Of Power, is streaming below.





Out of the Boston area rises a new metal beast ready to take on the world. But its musical ancestry is neck-deep - it comprises the Steel Assassin guitar duo of Kevin Curran and Michael Mooney who teamed up with other veterans of the local '80s metal scene: the original Meliah Rage vocalist Mike Munro and drummer Stuart Dowie.




Drawing heavily on the mythology and history of mankind, their debut album brings their take on classic heavy metal mixed with a dose US power. This masterwork shows a wide breadth of distinct, remarkable and consistently heavy songs with driving rhythms, catchy melodies and plenty of hooks. The rhythm section represents a bombast of anger and furious beauty, the riffs are massive and the inspired leads exude pure talent and class. Atop of this foundation, Munro's powerful bellow evokes the alpha wolf lusting after the thrill of the hunt.


The excellence and confidence expected from such seasoned musicians is complemented by superb production. The band remains grounded in the footprints of masters like Metal Church, Savatage, Accept, Judas Priest, Armored Saint and Heretic, but doesn't sound exactly like any of them, having already forged their own personal style.





"Unforgotten Souls" video:





"Ghosts Of Industry" video:





"Diabolical":





"A Boston Metal Story" interview

Iron Savior frontman / founder Piet Sielck recently checked in with the following update:


"They say lightning never strikes twice… but sometimes it does. After Jan (S. Eckert / bass) was diagnosed with cancer, now it’s my turn. Fortunately, it was detected at a stage where cure is possible. Therefore, I have to start immediate medical treatment in order to heal as soon as possible. I have a top notch medical team and a great network of support, I am in quite good shape, I have no other diseases and  also have the psychic power and strength of will to go successfully through this rough ride. First step will be a chemo therapy followed by surgery after some time of recovery.


Since I need to concentrate 100% on my healing process, we canceled all remaining shows for 2023. I am sure you all will understand, that I need all my energy for myself for a while. I will continue my activities on social media and also will promote the new album, Firestar, as best as possible. I have asked AFM to keep the release schedule 6th of October. 




Healing is the ultimate aim and I have already started the process."


Now, Sielck has issued an update on his treatment:


"Thank you a thousand times for all the hearty greetings. So far, I have done two out of four chemos. As you can see, the little hair I have is still there and I feel quite well. The side effects are mild. Thank you so much for your concern. This feels really good." 





Following their latest, much-acclaimed offering, Reforged - Ironbound (released in 2022 via AFM Records), Hamburg-based power metal act Iron Savior has announced the release of a brand new studio album. Firestar will be out on October 6, 2023 through AFM. Preorders are available here.


To shorten the wait until the full-length release, today, Iron Savior unleashed their blistering album title track. It's immediately evident, "Firestar" is irresistible and with its incredible 176 bpm definitely one of the fastest songs in Iron Savior’s history to date. Says singer and guitarist Piet Sielck: "With the power of the debut, the energy of Condition Red and a massive old-school-meets-modern-soundscapes production, Firestar is a massive track that won’t leave your players for a long time. We promise!"


The band's upcoming album will feature a wide range of influences from hard rock to pop, all calibrated to heavy metal standards thanks to those typical Iron Savior virtues. But sometimes pure coincidence or seemingly inconspicuous little details can turn a very good album into an outstanding release. In the case of Firestar, it has come as a real surprise even for Sielck that the new songs surpass the material of the impressive 2020-album Skycrest. 


In fact, the cornerstones of the current offering were already set and pointed to a successful production within the tried and tested framework, when all of a sudden everything turned out rather differently: “Just before the recordings were finalised, I was inspired by the muse, totally of the blue. I wrote two more songs out of nowhere and changed a third one on the spur of the moment. And suddenly, ‘Firestar’ turned into an even better record,” says Sielck happily, admitting that this unexpected creative surge “triggered great emotions” in him.


Iron Savior have again come up with an exceptional studio album in Firestar, enhanced by Felipe Machado Franco’s impressive cover artwork presenting the Iron Savior spaceship that has been around since 2011. The cherry on the cake is the powerful production courtesy of Hamburg’s Powerhouse Studio, including intelligently positioned keyboard parts and the anthemic background choirs, supported by Sielck’s 17-year-old daughter Frida and her boyfriend. Without any doubt, Firestar promises to be a bonfire in many respects.





Tracklisting:


“The Titan”
“Curse Of The Machinery”
“In The Realm Of Heavy Metal”
“Demise Of The Tyrant”
“Firestar”
“Through The Fires Of Hell”
“Mask, Cloak And Sword”
“Across The Wastelands”
“Rising From Ashes”
“Nothing Is Forever”
“Together As One” 


“Firestar” video:





Iron Savior is:
Piet Sielck (vocals, guitars)
Joachim “Piesel” Küstner (guitars)
Jan S. Eckert (bass)
Patrick Klose (drums)

Washington State true metal duo Vision Master have released the third single from forthcoming full-length debut album Sceptre. “Arc Terminal X” features special guest Sean “Bloodbath” McGrath of Impaled pitted against Vision Master’s very own Dan Munro in a string-pulling, wham-barring, extra-electric guitar duel to death that proves he who huffs fast laughs last.


The band comments:


"Xenon. That rare and perfectly noble stranger; the veritable lifeblood for our salvation.  




“Xenon. The core fuel component for the ion-thrusters that will spirit away the most fertile and virile humanity has to offer, far from this wretched husk of an orb. And yet for some it provides another sort of salvation…


“Xenon. The only element known to have psychoactive properties in its atomic form and so fetches a hefty purse in halls where scruples are in disregard.  


“Will man’s inherent lust for an altered consciousness doom his procreative obsession? Learn humanity’s fate in a mere two minutes and forty-three seconds by listening now to Vision Master’s 'Arc Terminal X.'"


Former Funerot members Dan Munro and Reuben Storey (Christian Mistress) have long imagined a band like Vision Master: Dark, but with mystical atmospheres adjoined with blistering guitar riffs, thunderous rhythms and soaring vocals. 


The band’s first full-length, Sceptre, is a fully-realized exercise in driving, unrelenting and unique true metal. Thoroughly recorded at Storey and Munro’s home studios, and with Tony “Baloney” Jefferson providing additional engineering, Sceptre was finally mastered by Justin Weis’.


Sceptre pushes boundaries across the traditional metal terrain, with Vision Master drawing from a wide range of influences that spans old-school metal as well as the likes of Brocas Helm, Slough Feg, Venom, Mercyful Fate and early Voivod. And, going down an even dirtier and extreme path, Discharge, Poison Idea, Die Kreuzen and classic black metal. It all adds up to a cosmic journey that, as Munro explains, “explores the depths of strange, unfamiliar realms and unrealities.” 


Featuring cover art by Seventh Bell Artworks based on an experimental photographic collaboration between Dan and David Hoekje, Sceptre transports the listener into a futuristic world where a biological network sprawls across cities and xenon gas stores are the only hope for mankind. The album’s journey brings listeners to a mystical, sandstone throne with the power to probe the origins of mankind, ultimately asking the question: If you had the power to undo the petulant plague that is man, would you?”


Sceptre is out August 25 via Gates Of Hell Records. Preorder on Bandcamp.





Tracklisting:


“Wolves In The Shadows”
“Wet Net”
“Gossamer Sky”
“Knife In A Velvet Glove”
“Walls Of Bone”
“Sandstone”
“Arc Terminal X”
“Dust Within”
“Beyond”
“Thin Veil”


"Arc Terminal X":





“Wolves In The Shadow”:

Lenne have released the official music video for the single, "Plastic". The single is from their debut EP, A Sympathetic Antipathy, released through Imagen Records. The video was directed by Steven Nathan of Art in the Chaos Productions.


“'Plastic' was actually our first official tune we did down in Atlanta. This was before we really knew what we were gonna do & even before our current band lineup. We went with 'Letting You Down' as our first single because it was just more radio friendly. But this is really our backbone. We like mashing sounds and genres up. We just spent some time recording new tracks to follow up our debut EP with our official band. Can’t wait to share it with everyone. Meanwhile, we appreciate everyone who checks our video out for 'Plastic' off our EP ASympathetic Antipathy," says Leonard Cerzosie Jr.


A Sympathetic Antipathy can be streamed/downloaded here. Watch the new video below.







A Sympathetic Antipathy tracklisting:


"The Screaming"
"Miracle"
"Plastic"
"Letting You Down"
"No Amends"








Back in the early 2000's, Leonard Cerzosie Jr. started a band with his brother called The Infinite Staircase that did very well as an independent band. the band worked with artists like Earl Slick from David Bowie's band, Candlebox, Sevendust, and even Zakk Wylde. In 2009, they scored a slot on tour with Black Label Society, Sevendust, and Dope that sealed a lot of friendships they still have to this day.


"In 2010, the love of my life passed away suddenly. Pill overdose. It was a devastating time. She was only 27. Morgan Rose and I wrote and recorded the EP, No Amends that was a dedication to my love" says Leonard Cerzosie Jr.


He continues, "Over the years, I've had my hand in multiple projects. I formed "Le Projet" around 2013 that featured members of Candlebox, Sevendust, and The Infinite Staircase. I also joined the Baltimore band "The Mayan Factor" a few years ago and have toured with them in Mexico City and the states. During all this, my mother was diagnosed with ALS. One day- after performing a friend insisted on introducing me to someone. He was confident we needed to meet. That was the day I met Jim Taylor. We did get along immediately and have since been composing all sorts of music together."


"When my mother passed away, Morgan got very involved with what was going on with me and my dad. He invited us out to his place in Atlanta multiple times. We started recording songs with Corey Lowery that would ultimately become 'LeNNe'. We spent much time digging deep for the right lyrics and tones. There were multiple artists involved over the course of a few years, but the official line up is me and Jim led by Morgan," he adds.


A Sympathetic Antipathy is the culmination of a few years of musical collaboration. The project was produced & co-written by Morgan Rose along with Leonard Cerzosie Jr., Corey Lowery, and Jim Taylor. In its various stages of recording, engineering talents include Jose Urquiza, James "Fluff" Harley, and Mike Ferretti. The initial inspiration for the EP was the passing of Lenny's mother after years of battling ALS. Tracks like "Miracle" were written about that struggle. Rose & Cerzosie have a history of writing & recording together and included a remastered version of a song they wrote with The Infinite Staircase in 2013 called "No Amends". Other musicians featured on the EP include Chris Caffrey of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Justin Taylor of Alborn.


The current band line up consists of heavy hitting, Maryland musicians Mike Slaski, Rob Landon, and Stephen Hybdzinski; alongside Jim Taylor from PA and Cerzosie from NY.


"This was originally supposed to just be a session in Atlanta with Morgan & Corey. The plan was to do a song in honor of my mom. We ended up having such cool, sometimes borderline morbid chemistry. Funny fact? The original song that started this whole thing didn't even make the EP. We went along this darker, heavier path while still maintaining all the melodies we initially created," says Leonard Cerzosie Jr.