Skull & Crossbones have announced a worldwide signing with Massacre Records. Their upcoming, first full-length studio album, entitled Sungazer, will be released on September 8.


The band's debut will be coming out as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats, the pre-save is now available here.


The four ex-Stormwitch members Volker Schmietow, Tobi Kipp, Jürgen "Wanschi" Wannenwetsch and Marc Opppold, completed by vocalist Tobi Hübner, pick up where they left off. Skull & Crossbones have dedicated themselves to traditional heavy metal.




"While I was a co-founder and the bassist of Stormwitch for many years, it was time for something new. After the successful album 'Bound to the witch', in which I was significantly involved with Volker, Tobi and Marc, we decided to start over. Skull & Crossbones was born,“ Jürgen Wannenwetsch reveals. "With our new singer Tobi Hübner came the voice and creativity that really pushed us again. We're all into melodic old school metal. The result is an album that we at S&C are not the only ones who are 100% convinced of. With Marc Ayerle, who is responsible for the great sound of the record, and the whole team at Massacre Records, we found the right support for Sungazer. We are excited to see where the path will lead us together with our fans."


Tobi Hübner adds: "After the songwriting process and completing our new album "Sungazer", I'm very happy about the deal with Massacre Records and I'm curious what our fans will have to say about our work. We're definitely very proud of it!"





Sungazer tracklisting:


"Midnight Fyre"
"Sungazer"
"Manhunter"
"The Invisible Man"
"Tyrant's Rule"
"Nature's Legacy"
"Inner Self"
"Live Your Dreams"
"The Drowned"
"The Traveller"


Skull & Crossbones are:


Tobi Hübner - Vocals
Volker Schmietow - Guitar
Tobi Kipp - Guitar
Jürgen "Wanschi" Wannenwetsch - Bass
Marc Oppold - Drums


(Photo - Michael Vetter)

NMB (Neal Morse Band) present An Evening Of Innocence & Danger: Live In Hamburg, a live recording of their 2022 tour in support of their most recent studio album. Recorded live in Germany, this 3-disc release captures the band in fine form, presenting Innocence & Danger and more over nearly two and a half hours of music, and will be released on July 14.


Today, fans can listen to the band perform "Another Story To Tell". Find the static video below.


Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette & Bill Hubauer demonstrate a chemistry like no other on this musical document of that tour, supporting their fourth studio album, released in 2021. “NMB’s Innocence and Danger tour was an amazing experience all the way around and the Hamburg gig was a real stand out!”, says Neal, “The band was firing on all cylinders and the audience was so close to us and roaring from the very first note.”




Mike Portnoy continues, “It was our first post-Pandemic tour so everybody (including the audience) was just happy to be at shows again experiencing live music together. We particularly felt the love and emotions this evening in Hamburg which has always been an amazing audience for NMB.”


To celebrate the announcement, you can hear the band performing their arrangement of the Simon & Garfunkel classic, "Bridge Over Troubled Water", below.


Mixed & mastered by longtime collaborator Jerry Guidroz, the album will be available as a limited 3CD digipak, and digital album, and is now available to pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


CD1:
"Do It All Again"
"Bird On A Wire"
"Your Place In The Sun"
"Another Story To Tell"
"The Way It Had To Be"
"Bridge Over Troubled Water"
"Waterfall"


CD2:
"Not Afraid Pt. 2"
"Beyond The Years"


CD3:
"The Great Similitude Medley"


"Another Story To Tell" static video:





"Bridge Over Troubled Water" static video:





The Markthalle in Hamburg is a venue the band have played many times before, and as Bill Hubauer explains, it’s a place they hold very dear: “There is always something warm and magical about the audiences at Markthalle. This show was closer to the end of the tour and I was getting tired.  I remember looking at the itinerary and seeing Markthalle coming up and feeling so happy about it. I knew it was going to give me the boost of energy to get through the rest of the tour.  It's very much one of those "home away from home" tour stops!” Randy George adds, “It’s always a great show at the Markthalle! The tour was going well and the wonderful fans in Hamburg made it a wonderful evening.”


The band played the vast majority of their acclaimed latest album, including a mesmerizing rendition of their arrangement of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, a track that quickly became a favourite of fans during the tour. Portnoy comments, “I loved the format of this tours setlist, breaking the show into two halves similarly to the Innocence And Danger album. The 1st half the shorter more concise songs and poppier side of the band, and the 2nd half with the huge sprawling Prog epics.” The massive set concludes with the "The Great Similitude Medley" which features highlights from the band’s previous two records The Great Adventure and The Similitude Of A Dream.


The result is a sprawling evening of incredible musicianship, that demonstrates a band at the very top of their game.

Before his death in January, legendary guitarist Jeff Beck revisited concert recordings made by Beck, Bogert & Appice, the power trio he formed in 1972 with drummer/singer Carmine Appice and bassist/singer Tim Bogert. The live music captures the band at the beginning and end of its short-but-influential partnership, with two shows in Japan in 1973 and one of the group’s final performances in London a year later.


In honor of what would have been Beck’s 79th birthday this Saturday, ATCO/Rhino announces the upcoming release of the new BBA boxed set, Live In Japan 1973, Live In London 1974. The collection will be available on September 15 on 4CDs or 4LPs. Also, a purple-vinyl version will be released the same day, available to pre-order here. Additionally, the music will be available from digital and streaming services. The 1974 live version of “Superstition” recorded in London is available today digitally. Listen here, and below.


All three band members were involved in creating Live In Japan 1973, Live In London 1974, and the collection is dedicated to Beck and Bogert, who died in 2023 and 2021, respectively. The set includes an expansive booklet with extended liner notes detailing the group’s history by music journalist/manager Bruce Pilato, along with memorabilia, archival photos, and a replica poster.




Beck and Appice mixed all the concerts in this set from the original multi-tracks that had been in Beck’s archive for almost 50 years, thus knocking the many bootleg quality releases, that Beck hated, out of the park! The two performances at Koseinenkin Hall in Osaka, Japan (recorded May 18 and 19, 1973) were released exclusively in Japan a few months after the shows, but never in the U.S. The complete concert at the Rainbow Theatre in London, England (recorded January 26, 1974) has never been released anywhere.


In the booklet, Pilato explores the short existence and lasting legacy of Beck, Bogert & Appice, a supergroup that critics once hailed as “the first successor to Cream” (Melody Maker) and an “ensemble of virtually unparalleled magnificence” (NME).


He writes: “The potential was obvious to all from the minute the three began talking about forming a group. In 1967 Beck emerged from The Yardbirds (along with Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page) having launched his own critically and commercially successful band. Bogert and Appice were the lava-hot rhythm section that propelled both Vanilla Fudge and the blues-rock quartet Cactus. There had been a couple of false starts in 1969, but when Jeff recruited Tim and Carmine to help him finish off the ’72 Jeff Beck Group tour, the music community rejoiced with anticipation.”


In a 1972 interview, Beck said seeing Vanilla Fudge live impressed him. “I saw the Fudge’s potential as a group, but I didn’t see anything in common with my playing. It’s just when they were jamming, I found that Carmine had some other things going aside from the Fudge stuff, and Tim did as well. Tim is a Martian-type bass player. He plays like a Martian from Motown!”


Live In Japan 1973 was recorded only a few weeks after Beck, Bogert & Appice’s self-titled debut came out. The music ripples with raw energy as the group delivers exhilarating live versions of nearly every song on the album, including “Superstition,” “Lady,” and “Livin’ Alone.” The trio also played songs by the Yardbirds (“Jeff’s Boogie”) and the Jeff Beck Group (“Morning Dew” and “Going Down.”)


After the band’s 1973 tour supporting its debut, Bogert told the British music press that some fans weren’t prepared for BBA’s high-energy approach. “We surprised a lot of people who were expecting laid-back music…Mainly we appeal to people who like loud, raunchy, good-time music. We’re a raunchy band and we aim to get people turned on.”


The concert on Live In London 1974 was recorded eight months after the shows in Japan and right before the trio disbanded. The performance introduces several songs the group planned to record for BBA’s never-completed second studio album, including “Satisfied,” “Jizz Wizz,” and “Solid Lifter.”


Half a century after the trio formed, Appice says the experience was over too soon. “It was artistically fulfilling at the time, but it was too quick...the fact that we got to play together was great. Jeff, Tim and I did play great together, but before we knew it, it had ended.”





Live In Japan 1973, Live In London 1974 tracklisting:


Live In Japan 1973


LP One:


Side One
“Superstition”
“Lose Myself With You”
“Jeff’s Boogie”


Side Two
“Going Down”
“Boogie”
“Morning Dew”


LP Two:


Side One
“Sweet Sweet Surrender”
“Livin’ Alone”
“I’m So Proud”
“Lady”


Side Two
“Black Cat Moan”
“Why Should I Care”
“Plynth / Shotgun” (Medley)


Live In London 1974


LP One:


Side One
“Satisfied”
“Livin’ Alone”
“Laughing Lady”


Side Two
“Lady”
“Solid Lifter”
“Jizz Wizz”


 LP Two:


Side One
“Name The Missing Word (Prayin’)”
“(Get Ready) Your Lovemaker’s Coming Home”
“Superstition”


Side Two
“Blues De Luxe / You Shook Me”
“(Rainbow) Boogie”


"Superstition" (Live At The Rainbow Theatre London, UK 1/26/74):

Buckcherry have released an official visualizer for their cover of the Bryan Adams hit, "Summer Of '69, featured on their new album, Vol. 10. Watch below:





Vol. 10, out now, was produced by Marti Frederiksen and recorded at Sienna Studios in Nashville. The album is released in North America by Round Hill Records, in Japan by Sony Japan, and by Earache Records for the rest of the world. The album is available to order here, and here.







Vol. 10 tracklisting:


"This And That"
"Good Time"
"Keep On Fighting"
"Turn It On"
"Feels Like Love"
"One And Only"
"Shine Your Light"
"Let's Get Wild"
"With You"
"Pain"
"Summer Of '69"


"With You" visualizer:





"Shine Your Light" video:





"Let's Get Wild" visualizer:





"Good Time" video:





Buckcherry tour dates:


June
1 - Arnolds Park, IA - Captains Getaway
2 - Dubuque, IA - Q Casino
3 - Manhattan, KS - The Hat
4 - Colorado Springs, CO - Sunshine Theatre
6 - Roswell, NM - The Liberty
7 - Flagstaff, AZ - Orpheum Theatre
9 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl
10 - Lincoln, CA - The Venue @ Thunder Valley Casino Resort - With Tesla
16 - Broken Bow, OK - Hochatown Saloon
17 - Pittsburgh, KS - Kansas Crossing Casino
18 - West Plaines, MO - The Oasis
20 - Ft. Smith, AR - Temple Live
21 - Murfreesboro, TN - Hop Springs
23 - Renfro Valley, KY - Renfro Valley OBT
24 - Johnstown, PA - Thunder in the Valley
25 - Peterborough, ON - The Venue
27 - Moncton, NB - Tide and Boar
28 - Summerside, PEI - Harbourfront Theatre
29 - Halifax, NS - Marquee Ballroom


July
1 - Ottawa, ON - The Brass Monkey
3 - Thorold, ON - Moose and Goose
4 - London, ON - London Music Hall
5 - Oshawa, ON - Biltmore Theatre
7 - Detroit, MI - Funfest
8 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest - With Tesla
9 - Wisconsin Dells, WI - Crystal Grand Music Theatre
14 - Cocoa Beach, FL - Area 142
15 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
16 - Ft Meyers, FL - The Ranch
18 - Jacksonville, FL - Underbelly
20 - Clearwater, FL - Capitol Theatre
21 - Murrells Inlet, SC - Suck Bang Blow
22 - Smithfield, NC - Bulldog Harley Davidson
24 - Black Mountain, NC - Silverados
25 - Leesburg, VA - Tally Ho
27 - Taylorville, IL - TAILGATE and TALLBOYS
28 - Milwaukee, WI - Private
29 - Youngstown, OH - WEAN Park - With Kid Rock
30 - Syracuse, NY - Lost Horizon


August
1 - Norwalk, CT - Wall Street Theatre
3 - Cadillac, MI - The Venue Event Center
4 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue
5 - Plymouth, IN - Plymouth Motor Speedway - With Tesla
11 - Sturgis, SD - Buffalo Chip
12 - Grand Island, NE - Filling Station and Bar
13 - Sioux Falls, SD - Alliance Center
15 - Fargo, ND - Butler Center
16 - Mankato, MN - Vetter Stone Amphitheatre
18 - Brainerd, MN - Armory
19 - St. Charles, IL - Arcada Theatre
20 - Des Plaines, IL - Des Plaines Theatre
22 - Hays, KS - Fox Theatre
23 - Ft. Smith, AR - Temple Live
25 - Tyler, TX - Country River Club
26 - Waco, TX - The Backyard
27 - Cedar Park, TX - Haute Spot
29 - Billings, MT - Pub Station
30 - Missoula, MT - The Wilma


September
3 - Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma
4 - Springfield, IL - Boondocks


October
29 - Rochester, MI - The Roxy


November
28 - Chickasha, OK- Legends
29 - Amarillo, TX- Hoots Pub


December
3 - San Luis Obispo, CA - The Fremont
11 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theatre





Buckcherry/Skid Row dates:


August
31 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues


September
1 - Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma 2023
2 - San Antonio, TX - Aztec Theatre
6 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center
8 - Montclair, NJ - Wellmont Theater
9 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount
10 - Lynn, MA - Lynn Auditorium
12 - Portland, ME - State Theatre
13 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre
15 - Paducah, KY - Carson Center
16 - Cleveland, OH - MGM Northfield Park
19 - East Moline, IL - The Rust Belt
20 - Joliet, IL - Rialto Square Theatre
22 - Welch, MN - Island Event Center
23 - Fort Yates, ND - Prairie Knights Casino
24 - Deadwood, SD - Deadwood Mountain Grand


October
5 - Eugene, OR - McDonald Theatre
6 - Suquamish, WA - Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
7 - Arlington, WA - Angel of the Winds Casino
8 - Coquitlam, BC - Hard Rock Vancouver
10 - Penticton, BC - Penticton Trade and Event Centre
12 - Enoch, AB - - The Venue at River Cree Resort and Casino
13 - Dawson Creek, BC - Ovintiv Event Centre
16 - Lethbridge, AB - ENMAX Centre
17 - Saskatoon, SK - TCU Place
19 - Calgary, AB - Grey Eagle Casino
20 - Moose Jaw, SK - Moose Jaw Event Center
21 - Brandon, MB - Westoba Place
23 - Winnipeg, MB - Burton Cummings Theatre
24 - Thunder Bay, ON - Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
27 - Green Bay, WI - Epic Event Center
28 - Sault Ste. Marie, MI - Kewadin Casino


December
1 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Resort & Casino
2 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theater
5 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
6 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
8 - Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren
9 - Los Angeles, CA - The Fonda Theatre
12 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
14 - Boise, ID - Revolution Concert House
15 - Reno, NV - Nugget Casino Resort

Fan-filmed video of Tom Keifer's June 17 performance at Blue Note Harrison in Harrison, Ohio can be seen below (courtesy of the LOCAL OVERLOAD YouTube channel). The CINDERELLA frontman and his solo band, #KEIFERBAND, were performing at the venue as part of their "Live/Loud" 2023 tour with WINGER and John Corabi.

Keifer's story begins as the singer-songwriter, guitarist and frontman of hard rock heavyweights CINDERELLA. His signature voice, guitar and bluesy, no-B.S. arena-shaking songwriting, played an integral role in moving records to the tune of 15 million worldwide. Tom Keifer is enjoying continued success recording and touring with #keiferband — Tom Keifer, Savannah Keifer, Tony Higbee, Billy Mercer, Kendra Chantelle, Jarred Pope and Kory Myers — releasing two critically acclaimed solo albums, "The Way Life Goes" and "Rise".

"Rise", released in September 2019 on Cleopatra Records, features the rousing, rollicking rock singles "The Death Of Me" and "Hype". Both singles landed in the Billboard Mainstream Rock Top 40. Keifer's deep-seated roots shine through to the very core on "Rise", something that was embedded at the very heart of his music created during the multiplatinum CINDERELLA days.

"When this band came together, we all felt a bit like broken souls, each with our own unique story," Tom explained. "If you ask anyone in the band, they would all say this band came along at just the right time. Every human who walks this planet faces challenges and extreme adversity they have to overcome. As a band, we feel fortunate to be able to face those things together. There is a piece of every band member in the 'The Death Of Me' as well as throughout the entire 'Rise' album."

The common thread to each song on "Rise" is the intuitive interplay between each member of #keiferband, a tight but loose collective that's spent the last few years on the road honing their live craft together. "Rise" is the studio-bred equivalent of a band just now realizing the full scope of its powers.

"We were trying to capture the feeling of what people have witnessed live with this band," Keifer explained. "There's an off-the-rails, real live feel to 'Rise' — and that's what we were going for. It shows a real kind of angst and reckless abandon that we tried not to polish too much. And when we pull it back on the ballads, it's more about the emotion, the soul, and making people feel something in a different way."

"To me, the perfect rock and roll record is perfectly fucked up," Keifer said with a hearty laugh. "You try to make each record interesting and different. I don't ever want to make the same record twice, even though there's a common thread between them. Everything doesn't have to be perfectly in place, but there is a balance you try to strike. Sometimes there may be something about it that's technically not 'right,' but there's a vibe, an energy and an attitude to it that I always try to preserve."

In March 2022, Keifer said that he was "not prepared" for the 2021 passing of CINDERELLA guitarist Jeff LaBar. Jeff was found dead by his wife, Debinique Salazar-LaBar, on July 14, 2021 inside his apartment in Nashville. He was 58 years old.

"I've gotta tell you, you're never really ready for that kind of loss; you're not prepared to hear that kind of thing," Keifer told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". "And everyone is still trying to grieve and process it. It's an emotional topic. Jeff was just such a passionate, amazing person, musician, human. He had a huge heart. And it was a tough one, man. It still is, for everybody."

Tom continued: "Jeff and I had a really good relationship throughout out career. Obviously, in bands there's times when you have differences; that's part of being in a band. It's true what people say about bands — that they're like a family, but, honestly, it's like that and even more intense, because there's so many different facets that inform the dynamics between bands; everything from business to creativity and everything in between. But despite any differences that we've had over the years, and the band in general, as I've always said, we've never aired anything like that.

"Jeff and I had a great relationship," Keifer repeated. "I loved Jeff — I really did — and have so many great memories of our journey together. He was amazing, and not just what he contributed to the music. Jeff had such a great sense of humor, and some of my favorite memories with Jeff are just kind of cutting up together on the bus. We were both big movie fans and could quote pretty much all our favorite movies. And we'd sit in the front lounge and quote 'Arthur' and 'The Big Lebowski' and 'Caddyshack'. He was just a really passionate, really fun guy to be around, and obviously, an amazing performer. He was a huge part of CINDERELLA.

"Like I said, you're never ready for that. And everyone is really honestly… I'm in touch with Eric [Brittingham, bass] and Fred [Coury, drums] regularly — everybody close to him — and we're still trying to process it. We really are."

Although CINDERELLA hasn't released a new studio album since 1994's "Still Climbing", the band started playing sporadic shows again in 2010 but has been largely inactive for the last few years while Keifer focused on his solo career.

Following the release of their latest studio album, Wederkeer (released in February 2023 via Napalm Records), today, pagan folk metal collective Heidevolk have shared a new music video for the song, "Drinking With The Gods (Valhalla)". This English-language version of their Viking anthem, "Drink met de Goden (Walhalla)", was only included on the album's physical editions - unreleased digitally until now.


The band says: "It has been four months already since we released Wederkeer. The positive feedback on the album has been overwhelming. Creating an album in the Dutch language that makes these kind of waves internationally still blows our minds and proves that music transcends barriers, even that of language. Today though, we present you with a different version of the celebrated track 'Drink met de Goden'. The lyrics of the song have been rewritten in English language to tell the tale to those who haven’t picked up on Dutch yet. With the new artwork by Christan Sloan Hall, we intend to give you a peek into Valhalla where we’ll be 'Drinking With The Gods'. Enjoy!"







In a world of myths, nature and legends of the Veluwe region of the Netherlands, the band’s upcoming concept album - based on the interpretations of the runes - is a powerful odyssey, deeply rooted in metal and folklore. With dual clean vocals, irresistibly catchy songs, traditional instruments and fast metal riffing all fueled by their folkloric fire and pagan pride, Heidevolk delivers an uncompromising sound and musical adventure. Wederkeer (meaning to “return” or “revive”), makes no exception, and proves why the Arnhem-based six-piece is one of the best, unrivaled and most exciting bands of their genre and beyond.


The album was recorded at Sandlane Recording Facilities, mixed by Joost van den Broek and mastered by Darius van Helfteren. Wederkeer once again proves that Heidevolk knows how to perfectly release proud hymns and direct, in-your-face metal songs, and the addition of broad choirs, various folk musicians, on vocals, violins, cello, bukkehorns and more traditional medieval instruments make Wederkeer not only a bombastic folk and pagan metal record at its best, but a glorious album return for Heidevolk.


Order here.





Wederkeer tracklisting:


"Hagalaz"
"Drink met de Goden (Walhalla)"
"Klauwen Vooruit"
"Schildenmuur"
"De Strijd Duurt Voort"
"Oeros"
"Wederkeer"
"IJzige Nacht"
"Raidho"
"Ver Verlangen"
"Holda"
"Zomervuur"
"Drinking with the Gods (Valhalla)" *Included on physical versions only
"The Hunter's Claw" *Included on physical versions only


"Wederkeer" video:





"Drink met de Goden (Walhalla)":





"Klauwen Vooruit" video:





“De Strijd Duurt Voort”





Lineup:


Bass guitars, backing vocals: Rowan Roodbaert
Guitars, backing vocals: Koen Vuurdichter
Vocals, accordion: Jacco Bühnebeest
Guitars: Mat Snaerenslijper
Vocals: Daniël Den Dorstighe
Drums: Kevin Houtsplijter


(Photo - Sietse Schoenmakers)

Fans have eagerly waited for what seems like an eternity, but now, the time has finally come to unveil the new singer of Oomph!


Founding members CR4P and Flux took all the time they needed to find their fitting third band member, and Der Schulz is just that person - combining everything the band has always been known for. From day one, the band searched for a third member who would not just act as a new singer, but who would embody each aspect and process of the band. With Der Schulz (known from the band Unzucht), who was involved in the creative aspects and songwriting process on the new album, the band successfully fulfilled their first lineup change in their 34 years of existence.


Today, the band is also thrilled to announce their first studio album featuring the new lineup. Kickstarting the new era of Oomph!, Richter und Henker (Judge & Executioner) will be released on September 8 via Napalm Records. The 14th studio album from the legendary Neue Deutsche Härte band, who have influenced the entire genre in their time, was once again produced and recorded by the band themselves and combines all of their beloved, established trademarks while strongly looking forward to the future. The first new track and video is set to be released on July 11.




CR4P and Flux about the band’s new singer: "Der Schulz was always our first choice. Since we have known and appreciated each other for a long time, he was the first singer we approached. Of course, we also met with many other promising applicants in our studio and tried out the collaboration. In the end, Der Schulz convinced us because he manages to revive the feeling of the old Oomph! songs and we harmonize extremely well on a human and creative level. He is a strong songwriter and lyricist and has the exact charisma, presence and character we were looking for. We had the right feeling all the way from the start!"


Oomph! on the new album: "Working together in this new constellation has spurred our creativity in the studio to the extreme. There will be some nice musical developments and surprises on the new album, Richter und Henker, without neglecting our typical Oomph! constants. Even our usual "test listeners" say the album sounds unmistakably like Oomph! We can't wait to finally present the songs to you and play them live on tour!"





Richter und Henker will be available in the following formats:


- Deluxe Box, including 1 CD 6 pages Digisleeve, Hangman Block, 2 pencils, socks, tote bag, A6 photo card (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide) – Napalm Records Store exclusive
- 2 LP Die Hard Gatefold Marbled Transparent Red/Black Vinyl incl slipmat, 12 inch booklet and record butler (strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide) – Napalm Records Store exclusive
- 2 LP Gatefold Gold Vinyl (strictly limited to 1000 copies) – GSA Retail exclusive
- 2 LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
- 1 CD 6 pages Digisleeve
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





Richter und Henker tracklisting:


"Wem die Stunde Schlägt"
"Richter und Henker"
"Soll das Liebe Sein?"
"Nur Ein Mensch"
"Schrei nur Schrei"
"Nichts wird mehr Gut"
"Sag Jetzt Einfach Nichts"
"Es ist Nichts, Wie es Scheint"
"Wo die Angst Gewinnt"
"All die Jahre"
"Wut feat. Joachim Witt"
"Ein Kleines Bisschen Glück"


Richter und Henker clearly proves that Oomph! return stronger than before with their new lineup, charging straight forward! Album opener “Wem Die Stunde Schlägt” (en: For Whom The Bell Tolls) makes an immediate statement, propelled by a hefty dose of industrial metal. Title track “Richter und Henker” captivates the listener with a mixture of hooky guitars and chanting vocals, while criticizing ignorant social movements. New wave influences are present on heavy and groovy anti-war anthem “Nur Ein Mensch” (en: Only A Human) - a future hit and strong sign against warmongering and empty slogans that force hatred and war. On “Wut” (Anger), Oomph! is supported by none other than genre idol Joachim Witt.


Since their formation in 1989, Oomph! has emerged as a highly influential band that has even inspired later Neue Deutsche Härte giants. With Richter und Henker, the Neue Deutsche Härte masters prove that they remain a leading force in the scene!


Oomph! are:


CR4P
Flux
Der Schulz


(Photo - Heilemania)

In a new interview with Graspop Metal Meeting, Anders Fridén, frontman of Swedish melodic death metal band IN FLAMES, was asked if he can foresee one day no longer being in a touring band and playing festivals all around the world. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I realize it will happen at one point, but as long as you feel like this is the greatest job or thing you can ever do, there's no reason to quit. I will continue until the wheels fall off in a way, or I wake up one day and say, 'Hmm, I rather wanna do something else.' But there's nothing I can think of. I love this. I love the meeting between us as a band, bringing our music around the world and seeing the fans and meeting them, and you have that connection. And it's the greatest feeling in the whole world. So, until that changes, then [I will continue doing this]."

Earlier this month, IN FLAMES parted ways with bassist Bryce Paul and has replaced him with Liam Wilson (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN).

Wilson made his live debut with IN FLAMES on June 7 at the Release Athens 2023 festival in Athens, Greece.

Bryce joined IN FLAMES following the departure of longtime bassist Peter Iwers.

Iwers quit IN FLAMES in November 2016, saying that he was leaving the band "to pursue other endeavors."

IN FLAMES' latest album, "Foregone", was released in February via Nuclear Blast. According to a press release, the LP "combines the greatest aggressive, metallic, and melodic strengths of their landmark records with the seasoned songwriting of their postmodern era."

"Foregone" was the second IN FLAMES album with Paul and drummer Tanner Wayne, the first with ex-MEGADETH guitarist Chris Broderick, and the third with Grammy-winning producer Howard Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, THREE DAYS GRACE). Mike Plotnikoff (ALL THAT REMAINS, WARBRINGER) engineered at Benson's West Valley Recording Studios. Joe Rickard (10 YEARS, STARSET, DIAMANTE),who played drums for IN FLAMES from 2016 through 2019, handled mixing duties.

In a recent interview with Oran O'Beirne of Bloodstock TV, Anders was asked if there are plans for him and his bandmates to commemorate in any way the upcoming 30th anniversary of their debut album, "Lunar Strain", in 2024. He responded: "I think that's more in the business area, those people. In the band, we don't really think about those things. Honestly, when I'm out touring, we have fans coming up to us and saying, 'Oh, today this album turned this amount of years' and 'Today 'The Jester Race' celebrated its what[ever] birthday.' And we're, like, 'Oh, shit. I didn't think about that.' So I don't think about that at all. But 30 years — that's crazy.

"If you asked me early in our career if we would do this for 30 years, I'd be, like, 'No way, man.' [Laughs] So it's insane," he continued. "I'm so, so grateful that we can do what we do. I work with my passion, my hobby, which is insane, when you think about it. I'm grateful for all the fans that carry us around the world and come to our shows and listen to our music."

EVERCLEAR, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the '90s, led by vocalist, guitarist and founder Art Alexakis, has officially revealed the details for its new live album, "Live At The Whisky A Go Go", and released the first single and music video for "Heroin Girl". Due out Friday, September 8 via Sunset Blvd Records, "Live At The Whisky A Go Go" was recorded and filmed in late 2022 during EVERCLEAR's 30th-anniversary tour back in Alexakis's hometown of Los Angeles and marked the first time the acclaimed quartet performed at the famed venue. The 17-track collection features all the hits and hidden treasures from throughout EVERCLEAR's extraordinary catalog as well as two bonus studio tracks, last year's single "Year Of The Tiger" and new single "Sing Away". The first offering from the forthcoming album is the 1995 hit "Heroin Girl", off the band's platinum-selling album "Sparkle And Fade".

"'Live At The Whisky A Go Go' is raw, loose, noisy, and kind of ragged around the edges… just like rock and roll is supposed to be," shares Alexakis. "Having grown up in Santa Monica in the late 1970s, performing at the Whisky was always a dream, and that dream finally came true last December. EVERCLEAR has always been one of those bands that are way louder and rowdier live than we are on record, so this album is a gift of love to the thousands of fans who have come to our shows over the last 30 years."

EVERCLEAR — Art Alexakis (vocals, guitar),Davey French (guitar),Freddy Herrera (bass),Brian Nolan (drums) — will be out on the road in support of the live album on a recently-announced fall headlining tour. The 30-date outing, featuring special guests THE ATARIS and THE PINK SPIDERS, begins September 6 in Lexington, Kentucky and will make stops all across the country, including Cleveland, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Boston, New York City (September 18 at Gramercy Theatre),Nashville, Omaha, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles (October 9 at The Wiltern),San Francisco, and many more, before wrapping October 15 in Pioneertown, California. EVERCLEAR also has a variety of shows lined up for the summer.

Since forming in 1992, EVERCLEAR has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, spanning 11 studio releases, including four that have been certified gold or platinum, selling over six million records, and achieving 12 Top 40 hit singles on Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Adult Top 40 radio, including "Santa Monica", "Father Of Mine", "I Will Buy You A New Life", "Wonderful" and "Everything To Everyone", as well as numerous videos, thousands of shows, and various other accolades, including a 1998 Grammy nomination. The band's 1993 debut album, "World Of Noise", released on the Portland independent label Tim/Kerr Records, paired with their significant efforts to break into college radio and the buzz they'd created within the Portland music scene, attracted the attention of major labels, including Capitol Records, which signed the group soon after. Beginning with their major-label debut, 1995's platinum-selling album "Sparkle And Fade", and its massive chart-topping hit "Santa Monica", EVERCLEAR was soon a household name and catapulted into the masses, thus allowing their impressive three-decade career to prosper and endure. In 2019, Alexakis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has since donated one dollar from every ticket purchased for his performances to charities such as Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and National MS Society. To celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2022, EVERCLEAR reissued "World Of Noise" as a special remastered, deluxe edition, making the album available for the first time on digital streaming platforms with six bonus songs in addition to its original 12 tracks. In addition to his thousands of EVERCLEAR performances over the band's lengthy career, Alexakis created and runs the annual "Summerland" tour, which features a package of popular '90s alt rock bands, and he released his first solo album, "Sun Songs", in 2019.

"Live At The Whisky A Go Go" track listing

01. Introduction (by Matt Pinfield)
02. So Much For The Afterglow
03. Everything To Everyone
04. Heroin Girl
05. Heartspark Dollarsign
06. Father Of Mine
07. Nervous and Weird
08. Fire Maple Song
09. Wonderful
10. Strawberry
11. AM Radio
12. Local God
13. I Will Buy You A New Life
14. Santa Monica
15. Molly's Lips
16. Year Of The Tiger (Bonus Studio Track)
17. Sing Away (Bonus Studio Track)

Photo credit: Ashley Osborn (courtesy of Press Here Publicity)

In a new interview with the Loaded Radio podcast, Dez Fafara was asked about the possibility of new music from the reunited COAL CHAMBER, which played its first show in eight years at last month's Sick New World festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We've been discussing it. [Sigh] I take a sigh right there, and the reason is because I don't wanna rush anything. I actually said to them… We booked [festival appearances at] Inkcarceration, Blue Ridge Rock Fest and Sick New World. That's all we were gonna do this year until MUDVAYNE hit us up [about supporting them on their summer tour]. And I actually said to them about the MUDVAYNE run, 'Let's not do it. I'd rather just stay friends. Let's do a few shows.' But the point is when we're all together, I realized that any problem we've ever had is gone. To think about it as any kind of continuing problem would be wrong. So, okay, cool. Let's go do MUDVAYNE. And now, of course, talking about new music is very exciting for us."

Dez continued: "I happen to feel like if [COAL CHAMBER's last album] 'Rivals', which was released 12 years ago — something like this; 10 [or] 12 years ago — if 'Rivals' would have been released now with where the genre is and where, I would say where nu metal is at this point, that record would be insane. We were 10, 12 years too early getting back together and releasing that record, in my opinion. But I guess it's always good to preempt what's coming down the line, and we surely did with 'Rivals'. So if you're a COAL CHAMBER fan, go check out 'Rivals', if you haven't."

Regarding what it was like returning to the live stage with COAL CHAMBER for the first time in eight years, Dez said: "[It was] unbelievable. We were all backstage. Of course there's a hundred people back there with their cameras on us as we're hugging. But it was amazing. We hit the stage… They were chanting 'COAL CHAMBER', so it was 55, 60 thousand people chanting 'COAL CHAMBER', which just absolute goosebumps on my arms. We came out. We killed it. The set was short — it was only 30, 35 minutes; something like that — so it was in and out. But it was at the height of the day. People were telling us that, 'Your stage was the most packed of the day.' Of course I'm not putting myself up against the bigger bands; I'm just saying that it is what it is. And then when I got off, I said to my wife, 'What's going on? What's going on out there?' And she was, like, 'They're all singing you 'Happy Birthday', dummy.' And I was, like, 'Wow.' So it was a pretty incredible weekend… It was an amazing time, man. And I'm grateful. I'm humbled by everybody who came. And the reception that we got was wonderful."

Three months ago, Fafara told Radioactive MikeZ, host of the 96.7 KCAL-FM program "Wired In The Empire", about how COAL CHAMBER's reunion came about: "Unbelievable turn of events. That actually happened… I was on my way out from COVID. And my wife called [the other members of COAL CHAMBER] and said, 'Hey, you guys may wanna text Dez or call Dez 'cause I don't know if he's gonna make it through the night. He's telling me where he wants to be buried and not to sell his '78 Cadillac.' So they started to call me, they started to text me, and over a period of six, seven, eight months, we didn't talk any business at all. And we realized that, you know, why are we not playing shows? Those guys are totally different people than when we broke up. I have always been the same — I've just been solid as a rock; and I told them, 'I'm solid as a rock. If I come out of this, I would love to do at least one show with you guys.' And that's how this all started — very organically."

Dez added: "COAL CHAMBER is a very unpredictable thing, all the way from its beginning, playing with PANTERA and BLACK SABBATH, to where we were when we put out 'Rivals' to where we are now… But we're gonna take it slow and we're gonna do what's appropriate for the brand and for the band and especially the fans that have been with us for so long."

COAL CHAMBER will support MUDVAYNE on "The Psychotherapy Sessions" tour this summer. Produced by Live Nation, the 26-city trek kicks off on July 20 in West Palm Beach at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, making stops across the U.S. in Syracuse, Albuquerque, Phoenix, and more before wrapping up in Englewood, Colorado at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre on August 26.

COAL CHAMBER existed for ten years before disbanding in 2003 to pursue other musical projects. They reunited in 2011 for touring purposes but it wasn't until 2014 that the band began work on a new studio album of original material, the aforementioned critically acclaimed "Rivals". Several months of touring activity followed before Dez returned to DEVILDRIVER to make a new record, 2016's "Trust No One".

DEVILDRIVER's 2019 co-headlining tour with STATIC-X saw the Fafara-fronted outfit performing material from COAL CHAMBER for the first time.

Fafara painted a bleak picture of COAL CHAMBER's future during a 2016 interview with Revolver magazine. He stated at the time: "I had a lot of fun doing that record and playing shows with them again. But there were some circumstances that were not ideal and that's why that thing is not continuing as of right now. If something comes up and I have time and want to make a record and the members have their shit together, I'll do it. But as of now, there's some deep-seated shit that certain dudes in the band still need to work out. And if they work it out and want to tour or make another record, they can come back and give me a call. But right now, everyone in DEVILDRIVER is stoked. No one's fighting. And I feel lucky to be where I am."

Dez had stated in previous interviews that COAL CHAMBER's original split happened because "I did not want to be around the band's hard drug use and I realized that going onstage every night that the money was feeding their habit, so I walked to save my friends." He added that his COAL CHAMBER bandmates were "clean" as of 2012, which made him realize that "it was the right thing to walk [away from the group back in 2003]."

Image credit: Brad Nolan

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach joined the yacht rock band YÄCHTLEY CRËW on stage on June 10 at KAOS at The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada to perform the EAGLES classic "Hotel California". Fan-filmed video of his appearance can be seen below (courtesy of the ShesSoCalifornia YouTube channel).

Sebastian shared a separate video of the performance on his YouTube channel and he wrote in an accompanying message: "We had an amazing time with @YachtleyCrew I apologize I didn't get the words perfectly correct but I had no idea I was going to be singing with these guys they just asked me out of the crowd and we did our best! Everyone present had a lot of fun and that is what counts thanks to Yachtley Crue [sic] for the hospitality give me a heads up next time I love this music! #NoTapes #NoFakes #AllReal #AlltheTime".

YÄCHTLEY CRËW covers soft pop songs that ruled the charts in the late '70s and early '80s, including Christopher Cross's "Ride Like The Wind", THE DOOBIE BROTHERS' "What A Fool Believes" and STEELY DAN's "Aja" album.

"We endeavor to put on the best show that people have seen," YÄCHTLEY CRËW's Phillip Daniel told the Albuquerque Journal in a recent interview. "We put everything we've got into it. It's really high energy and people are surprised by that in a good way. They come expecting to hear soft rock and get something they weren't expecting."

YÄCHTLEY CRËW recently signed a record deal with Jimmy Buffett's Mailboat Records and expects to release an album in a few months.

"We were in the studio over the winter months and recorded a five-song EP," Daniel told the Albuquerque Journal. "We don't have an official release date yet. There is one original song and four covers on the album."

Having signed with legendary rock manager Andy Gould, YÄCHTLEY CRËW recently recorded its very first original song, "Sex On The Beach", which was produced and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge (Stevie Nicks, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, Bruce Springsteen). The song debuted on the Los Angeles radio station 95.5 KLOS in April. YÄCHTLEY CRËW added it to its recent live in-studio performance on the SiriusXM radio Yacht Rock 311 show as the first-ever yacht rock band to perform at the station.

The long-awaited return of Adult Swim's favorite heavy metal adventure "Metalocalypse" arrives with an all-new, full-length animated movie. Written and directed by series co-creator Brendon Small, "Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar" brings the heaviest metal band ever created back together again for an action-packed journey. The movie will be available to purchase digitally and on Blu-ray disc August 21, 2023.

As a special highlight, fans can also look forward to the release of two full-length albums this year. Fans can now pre-save DETHKLOK's highly anticipated "Dethalbum IV" which includes all new original DETHKLOK songs, and releases on August 22. The second album release, "Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" will include additional songs plus a totally original movie score and will be released August 25. Both albums will be released through WaterTower Music, who today released "Aortic Desecration", the first new music from "Dethalbum IV", and DETHKLOK's first new music in almost 10 years. "Dethalbum IV" will also be available on vinyl through Mondo, and vinyl preorders are now live.

"Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar" stars Small, Tommy Blacha, Victor Brandt ("Metalocalypse"),Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner (Grammy Award-winning musician),King Diamond (KING DIAMOND; MERCYFUL FATE),Mark Hamill ("Batman: The Animated Series; The Machine"),Kirk Hammett (METALLICA),Jon Hamm ("Confess, Fletch"; "Top Gun: Maverick"),Scott Ian (ANTHRAX),Amy Lee (EVANESCENCE),Malcolm McDowell ("A Clockwork Orange"),Juliet Mills ("Passions"),Laraine Newman ("Saturday Night Live"),Raya Yarbrough ("Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem - a Klok Opera"),and Livia Zita (2022 winner of Society Of Voice Arts And Sciences Award).

From Adult Swim, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and Titmouse, "Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar" was written and directed by Brendon Small. Executive producers are Small, Chris Prynoski ("The Legend Of Vox Machina"),Shannon Prynoski ("Fairfax"),Antonio Canobbio ("Arlo The Alligator Boy") and Ben Kalina ("Big Mouth").

Originally premiering on Adult Swim in 2006, "Metalocalypse" ran for four seasons with a standalone special "Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem". The series was created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blancha.

"Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar" will be available on August 22, 2023 to purchase digitally from Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu and more. Blu-ray disc will be available to purchase online and in-store at major retailers.

Catch up ahead of the movie with "Metalocalypse: The Complete Series". Release will be available to purchase digitally and on DVD August 15, 2023 and includes all 62 episodes, "Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem" and all the previously released bonus materials.

"Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar" synopsis: After the heroic rescue of Toki Wartooth, DETHKLOK frontman Nathan Explosion finds himself traumatized in a BRUTAL professional and romantic flat-spin all while he is tasked with fulfilling the prophecy and confronting the ultimate songwriting challenge: write the SONG OF SALVATION and save the planet. Can Nathan Explosion look beyond his brutally damaged ego to save his band, stop the Metalocalypse, and finally face the ultimate evil: Salacia?

Special features include the "Behind The Metal Curtain" featurette. Dive deep into the making of "Metalocalypse: Army Of The Doomstar" with interviews with show co-creator Brendon Small and his team of writers, animators, and musicians as they share the inspirations behind turning the hit Adult Swim series into its first feature film.

Nuclear Blast has acquired the complete catalog from San Francisco Bay Area metal veterans TESTAMENT. The band has also signed for an additional three albums. The signing took place before TESTAMENT's performance at Hellfest in Clisson, France this past weekend. Fans will now be able to listen to the group's seminal albums "The Legacy" and "The New Order", among others, on the DSP of their choice.

Singer Chuck Billy states: "After a long history of making music and TESTAMENT teaming up with Nuclear Blast in 2008 with 'The Formation Of Damnation' to the current release 'Titans Of Creation', we have taken it to the next level and have reclaimed our six albums from Atlantic Records and have delivered them to Nuclear Blast to be re-released. Along with the Atlantic catalog, TESTAMENT will sign a new three-album deal with Nuclear Blast worldwide. We are so grateful to be with the best heavy metal label in the world that will spread TESTAMENT's Legacy."

Guitarist Eric Peterson comments: "We signed with Nuclear Blast back in 2008 and it'd been a perfect fit for us ever since then. Incidentally, our older catalog with Atlantic Records — 'The Legacy', 'The New Order', 'Practice What You Preach', 'Souls Of Black', 'The Ritual' and 'Low' — have returned to us and we feel it's a great new start to have Nuclear Blast release these albums again with some new unreleased artwork, photos, etc. Also, we will be signing a new three-album deal with them! So the future for metal is looking very, very bright! Cheers!"

Tommy Jones, Nuclear Blast U.S. label manager, adds: "One of my favorite guitars as a kid was my dark red Ibanez Saber (540S) with the wizard neck. I purchased that guitar to sound like Alex Skolnick who played that model and color back in the day. So all these years later to be signing those OG, genre-defining TESTAMENT albums that were such an early influence like 'The New Order', 'Practice What You Preach' and 'Souls Of Black', as well as new TESTAMENT albums to Nuclear Blast, is completing a full circle for me. Truly an 'if the 15-year-old me could see this' type of moment. It's time to continue 'The Legacy' with Nuclear Blast!"

Last weekend, Peterson spoke to Loud TV about the progress of the songwriting sessions for TESTAMENT's follow-up to 2020's "Titans Of Creation" album. He said: "There was a big gap because of COVID. But now we're getting ready — probably after this [European] tour to go start working on new material. So, yeah, I'm looking forward to that. We have about five, six songs written already, and [I'll] probably try to finish it up when I get home. And then hopefully record right after we go on tour to Japan. So '24 should look like a release for TESTAMENT."

Peterson went on to say that the new TESTAMENT material is shaping up to be "fucking killer." He added: "I'm a fan. For me, I wouldn't release anything unless I'm a fan of what I'm doing. I have to get goosebumps. When I hear it, I'm, like, 'Yeah.' And then, of course, I play it for friends. A few of them go, 'Ehh.' But most of them go, 'Fuuuck!' Except Chuck [Billy, TESTAMENT singer] — Chuck goes, 'Eh.' And then four years later, [he goes], 'That's the best song ever. Write more shit like that.' I'm, like, 'Yeah, but four years ago you said that sucked.'"

As for when TESTAMENT will record the new album, Eric said: "Hopefully maybe October, November. If not, probably January, February. But we're shooting for this year — at the end of the year. I think I'll be done writing in September. So we just have to wait for vocals. Which can take a while. But we'll see what happens."

Peterson was also full of praise for TESTAMENT's new drummer Chris Dovas (SEVEN SPIRES),who officially joined the band earlier this year as the replacement for Dave Lombardo.

This past April, Lombardo revealed in an interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET that he would sit out the remainder of TESTAMENT's 2023 shows, with no guarantee that he will return to the band.

Lombardo, who was the guest drummer on TESTAMENT's 1999 studio album "The Gathering", formally joined the long-running San Francisco Bay Area act last year. The former SLAYER drummer is currently a member of the MISFITS, MR. BUNGLE, EMPIRE STATE BASTARD and SATANIC PLANET, among others. He also played with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES from 2016 up until 2020.

Prior to joining TESTAMENT as a full-time member, Dovas previously filled in for Lombardo on the first six dates of TESTAMENT's summer/fall 2022 leg of "The Bay Strikes Back Tour". Lombardo was unable to make those gigs due to a scheduling conflict with the MISFITS.

Peterson told Loud TV about Dovas: "When we were auditioning for new drummers, his video tape was the number one for me. And then, of course, Dave Lombardo called us, so we just kind of pushed everything aside; we said, 'Okay, we'll try Dave.' And when Dave was, like, 'Oh, I've got this show coming up. I've got this show coming up,' I went back to my [videos], [and I said], 'Oh, yeah, this guy.' I remember the other guys going, 'Let's call Paul Bostaph.' 'Let's call John Tempesta.' And, of course, they would probably do it, but with the stipulation of, like, 'I can only do this date,' 'I can only do this date.' I called Chris. He was, like, 'I'm in. I'll do everything.' And so we tried him, and were just, like, 'What?!' Perfect tempo. Everything correct — bam, bam. Very polite. Really nice guy. I can't say enough good things about him. He's just a really good drummer. He's 24; he's my son's age. Young blood back in TESTAMENT. For me, too, he loves black metal, so he was, like, [into] blast beats. But he also graduated from a school called Berklee. So jazz… He's very fluent. He's not, like, 'Oh, I only know blast beats.' He knows blues… TESTAMENT's really diverse — we have ballads, we have rock songs, we have blast beats. That's just it — when he came to visit me before this tour, we were rehearsing for the tour but we would go back to my house at night, do some Jager really late at night and just start jamming at my house. And the next morning we were, like, 'Woah!' Really cool shit. So I'm excited for the next record. It's gonna be killer."

Skolnick sat out some of TESTAMENT's spring/summer 2023 European tour dates in order to tend to a family emergency. He was replaced at the shows by former MACHINE HEAD and current VIO-LENCE guitarist Phil Demmel.
.@nuclearblast is proud to announce the complete #TESTAMENT catalog has been acquired & the band signed for an additional, future 3 albums! Signing took place before their performance at Hellfest last weekend. Fans will now be able to listen to The Legacy & The New Order on DSPs! pic.twitter.com/5d1KIWgtEu

— Testament (@testament) June 21, 2023

In a new interview with Disturbing The Priest, SAXON frontman Biff Byford spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's next studio album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I'm doing demo vocals on the new SAXON album. So I'm just finding different ideas and things and getting the melodies right… I'm about seven songs in now… I'm just doing demo [vocals] and listening to what the songs sound like now and not just a few chords, drums and bass."

This past April, Biff told Metal Pilgrim about the musical direction of SAXON's upcoming LP: "It'll be like [2022's] 'Carpe Diem' and [2018's] 'Thunderbolt'. It'll be a great SAXON album."

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

Brian will join fellow guitarist Doug Scarratt, bassist Nibs Carter, drummer Nigel Glockler and Byford for shows starting July 7 in Athens, Greece but will continue to be a member of DIAMOND HEAD.

SAXON's latest release, "More Inspirations", arrived on March 24 via Silver Lining Music. Following the release of "Inspirations" in 2021, "More Inspirations" is the second "deep dish" serving of the influences which have fed SAXON's immensely successful 40-plus-year career.

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

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

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

The reunited original lineup of BIOHAZARD — guitarist/vocalist Billy Gradziadei, guitarist Bobby Hambel, drummer Danny Schuler and bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld — played its second New York City concert in more than 12 years on Sunday (June 18) at the Irving Plaza. Professionally filmed video of the performance, which came two days after BIOHAZARD played the same venue, can be seen below.

Featured songs:

00:00:11 - Urban Discipline
00:05:48 - What Makes Us Tick
00:09:39 - Down For Life
00:13:36 - Tales From The Hardside
00:19:08 - Black And White And Red All Over
00:25:28 - Five Blocks To The Subway
00:29:00 - Wrong Side Of The Tracks
00:33:57 - Shades Of Grey
00:37:57 - Howard Beach
00:41:40 - How It Is
00:45:26 - Tears Of Blood
00:50:37 - Scarred For Life
00:55:25 - Victory
00:58:58 - Retribution
01:04:24 - Survival Of The Fittest
01:07:17 - Love Denied
01:12:09 - We're Only Gonna Die (From Our Own Arrogance) (BAD RELIGION cover)
01:14:56 - Punishment
01:21:57 - Hold My Own

The first reunion gig from Gradziadei, Hambel, Schuler and Seinfeld took place on May 26 at the Milwaukee Metal Fest at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

On June 7, Seinfeld shared a couple of photos of the reunited original lineup of BIOHAZARD on Instagram, and he included the following message: "Sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Reuniting with BIOHAZARD after 12 years and seeing what we have all accomplished on our own, many incredible things and now so hopeful optimistic and excited for this new chapter where once again all things are possible if you believe.

"We are going to write a new album, released a documentary film with our brother at @stonefilmsnyc ,create a new branded line of merchandise and of course tour of the world. The only thing constant in life is change.

"At one point in my life I had closed the chapter on BIOHAZARD thinking there was nothing left for me to do or accomplish and now I see so many possibilities because the energy when the four of us are together is boundless. Four kids from Brooklyn who went from the street corner to festival main stages Arenas and stadiums. BIOHAZARD sold millions of albums and played thousands of concerts in 100 countries around the world. This was my life education to see the entire world as an ambassador of positivity with my music in our metal hard-core and even hip-hop styles. All of the incredible human connections I made and all of the emotions I've experienced have helped shape me into who I am today.

"What I realize today is that every day is a new beginning and if you ever feel stuck in your life just know that you are one second away from completely changing your life believing in something new putting your heart and passion and your soul into something you care about or sometimes even just loving someone or yourself. When we carry around resentments it's almost always an over reaction of our ego. Resentment is the number one offender it only hurts us.

"Life is a gift and I'm full of gratitude today for BIOHAZARD our incredible management team our incredible agencies worldwide.

"This shoot is so special to me my guy @trusttheshooter @jeremydeputat absolutely captured the many sides of BIOHAZARD in a long day at our first [email protected] 12 years.

"See you all in the pit… somewhere!

"Grateful for my brothers Billy Bobby and Danny. We can do incredible things as a team LFG!"

BIOHAZARD will make a number of other appearances throughout 2023, including at multiple international festivals in the summer, and will play select gigs in America.

This past January, Schuler told Dan Shinder of Drum Talk TV, Schuler about how BIOHAZARD came back together: "We haven't toured in about seven years, almost eight years. In about 2015, [that] was the last year of touring. We wrapped it up after that. We went in the studio to go do a record and things just kind of imploded; everybody's a bunch of crazy personalities. In the ensuing years, we didn't do anything as BIOHAZARD. And then about a year and a half ago, my brother, who lives in Torrance, California, was flying back home to New York to come see everybody. And he gets to the airport here, and he says to me, 'You won't believe who I saw at the airport.' And I said, 'Who was that?' And he goes, 'I saw Evan,' the bass player from BIOHAZARD, Evan Seinfeld, who I hadn't spoken to in 10 years. And they had a good conversation, and it was cordial. And he basically sent a message through my brother, 'Tell Danny I said hi.' So a week later, I'm going on vacation. I'm feeling good. I'm going down to the beach house here in [New] Jersey with my wife and my kids, and I said to my wife, 'Maybe I should call him' — you know, just bury the hatchet. Who cares anymore? Like everybody, COVID and all these people dying and all this stuff, it's, like, who the hell cares about all that old stuff that made you mad. So my wife was, like, 'Yeah, why don't you give him a call? Don't be an asshole. Call him.'

"Anyway, long story short, I did call him and we spoke," he continued. "And we just kind of buried the hatchet. And the other guys in the band, Bobby and Billy, had been speaking, and we've been speaking, and everybody just kind of started talking a little bit. And unfortunately, our former manager, Scott Koenig, who was out in Los Angeles, he passed away. And that was a real moment where it was, like, 'Wow.' Scott was with us from the beginning, and he was like a fifth member of the band. … That was in October of '21. … I got that call. And the same week, Ir friend of ours from a band called DOG EAT DOG, our friend Sean Kilkenny passed away the same day as Scott. So it was two phone calls, two brothers, two great, close friends, like family, both passed at the same time. And for me, that was kind of one of those things where it's just, like, who cares about all the negative bullshit in the past? Who cares? We're still here. We did great stuff together. We created something cool. We should all be friends. And that was my thinking. And everyone kind of felt the same way. And that kind of was the beginning of how it started, getting the band together."

As for the possibility of a new BIOHAZARD album, Schuler said: "Making new music wasn't really something I was really thinking about too much, but it's come up so much in the last few months since we've been talking about all this stuff. So we'll see how it goes. There's definitely interest there for us to do it. I just hope we can do it. I wanna be able to do it at the level we always did it at.

"I write a lot of music on my own, of course, but I'm very much into collaboration," he explained. "I've always needed a partner, or partners, to really bring the best out of me, to challenge myself. And I always loved getting in a room with these guys. We've always come up with great stuff when we're in the right mindset to do it. So I'm excited to get in a room with them and just let shit fly. I have the energy for it, I'm ready and I'm excited to do it, and I think they are too. So I'm hopeful that we're gonna make something really cool and different and innovative."

In addition to touring, BIOHAZARD has a 35th-anniversary documentary in the works containing previously unreleased footage spanning four decades.

"BIOHAZARD is an iconic band that ripped it up on the streets of New York when I lived there in the late '80s and early '90s, so I'm excited to be working with them to bring their pioneering hardcore sound to a new generation," said Andy Gould (ROB ZOMBIE, PANTERA, TYPE O NEGATIVE). The band is managed by Gould and Paul Gargano and booked by Jim Morewood at the K2 Agency internationally, and Steve Sokol at Pinnacle in North America.

Stated Graziadei: "Over the years, we made some great music together and had so many incredible shows on some pretty amazing tours. After spending so much time and focus on POWERFLO and my solo project BILLYBIO, things just fell in place at the right time and I decided it was the time to recapture that energy and go kick ass again with the original lineup of BIOHAZARD with DannyBobby, and Evan!"

Added Hambel: "I'm honored to perform with the band again. I can't wait to get onstage with the guys and do what we do! I'm looking forward to traveling and playing live. See you out there!"

Stated Seinfeld: "It's been ten years since we all played together, and I'm in a huge place of gratitude for the opportunity to get back to the roots of BIOHAZARD and not only reconnect with the other guys, but also the fans. We've been through decades of madness, and it feels like the fantastic four are back together."

Last year, Graziadei said in an interview that there had been "talk" about putting BIOHAZARD back together.

The group, which is acknowledged as one of the earliest outfits to fuse hardcore punk and heavy metal with elements of hip-hop, had been out of the public eye since Scott Roberts left the band seven years ago.

Roberts, who played guitar on BIOHAZARD's 2005 album "Means To An End", rejoined the group in June 2011 as the replacement for Seinfeld. Scott fronted BIOHAZARD for nearly five years before exiting the band in February 2016.

In an August 2020 interview with the "Aftershocks" podcast, Roberts said that he left BIOHAZARD because he "wasn't happy" anymore. "There was one guy that I wasn't getting along with very well, and it made touring not fun anymore for me," he said. "My reason to stick around was to make a new record that was great and I'd be proud of and all that stuff, and then it became kind of clear that wasn't gonna happen, so I was, like, 'What am I doing it for?' So I quit."

Seinfeld made his last recorded appearance with BIOHAZARD on 2012's "Reborn In Defiance" album, which marked the first LP featuring the band's original lineup in 18 years.

Graziadei is currently a member of POWERFLO, which also features former FEAR FACTORY bassist/guitarist Christian Olde Wolbers, Sen Dog from CYPRESS HILL, and Rogelio Lozano from DOWNSET.

Billy's solo project, BILLYBIO, released a new album, "Leaders And Liars", in March 2022 via AFM Records.