In a new interview with Metal Hammer magazine, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford, who battled prostate cancer during the pandemic, said that he has come to terms with his own mortality.

"Over the last few weeks I've been thinking about this," he said. "I'm 72 this year, and you realize quickly that 72 isn't that far from 80, especially when so much of our world revolves around three-year cycles that come up around albums. So honestly, I've only got a couple of those cycles left. You really have to think about how you can cope with that reality.

"I've never been afraid of death — it doesn't bother me in the least — but what I do have to find peace with is that being able to do the thing I love will come to an end, and that does make you want to live forever."

Halford discussed his decision to go public with his battle with prostate cancer during an appearance on a July 2022 episode of the "Prostate Cancer Uncensored" podcast. Asked by podcast host and TWISTED SISTER guitarist Jay Jay French — a fellow prostate cancer survivor — when he first got diagnosed by the disease, Halford said: "My PSA [prostate-specific antigen] levels were starting to get elevated many, many years before I finally had a checkup with my doctor. And he took the blood tests and he goes, 'Man, these numbers are really high. I'm gonna take you to my guy.' I wanna say it was close to 10 years [ago] when my PSA levels were starting to get elevated. I was living in San Diego at the time. And my doctor there, he, as well, said, 'Rob, we need to keep an eye on this. I don't like the look of these numbers. Can you come in and see me, and we'll run some tests?' So this is on the eve of a big world tour. So what do you do? 'Yeah, doc. I'll just get this tour completed and I'll come and see you.' So, as you know, Jay, when we go on these world tours, they can take a year, two years, three years to complete, so through that whole touring process, I never got the follow-ups that I needed to get done, done.

"And let me quickly say that it's a guy thing, right? It's a guy thing," he noted. "I'm a 70-year-old metalhead. I come from a generation when men, we didn't talk about these kinds of things. We never really talked about our health. We always found it difficult to open up emotionally, let alone anything else. So on top of all of the things that I was dealing with on the road and having a great time, I knew this was lurking in the back of my mind.

"Anyway, so we're talking — what? — about three years back now maybe. I see my new doctor in Phoenix, and he runs the tests again and he goes, 'I've gotta get you in to see my guy.' And that's when this incredible journey started for me to battle the prostate cancer."

Regarding how he processed his prostate cancer diagnosis and whether he chose to keep it to himself for a long time before sharing it with those closest to him, Rob said: "I'm a gay. [Laughs] We gays, we throw it out — we throw it out. That might sound a little bit odd, but part of my personality and my sexual identity has just given me this… I don't hold anything back. And part of my sobriety is living your day in the most truthful and honest way that you see fit for yourself. Sure, if you don't wanna share some things, you don't have to. But I looked upon this whole experience as something that I really wanted to put out. Having said that, we did keep a lid on it for the band, for the business side of things until the appropriate moment came along for me to discuss it.

"You probably noticed, Jay, in recent years that, again, these issues of health — cancer, for example — musicians talk more openly about the health challenges that they're going through. So I was trying to make the timing work; I was trying to make it happen that was comfortable and beneficial to everybody," he added. "But initially I was telling everybody — my immediate family, my immediate close circle of friends — just because for me that was therapy. That was therapy."

Halford went on to say that beating cancer has made him appreciate being in JUDAS PRIEST even more than he did in the past.

"The health side of life is so important," he said. "And after having gone through what I did, I'm grateful and blessed to be able to do the work [with the band]. And as a result of going through the recovery process and the stars aligning and the calendar being in the right place, I was able to go out there and do my work now probably with even more intensity, because, man, to come through the other side of that challenge was, without a doubt, a life changer.

"I've always lived life to the max — every day of my life," Halford added. "It's so important for me to get even the smallest thing out of the day, whatever it might be. So to be in this opportunity is just an extra boost, man. You feel that even more now when you go out on stage and you're so grateful to be able to continue doing the work that you love."

Rob previously discussed his cancer battle in April 2022 during an appearance on an episode of Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show. Regarding his decision to mention his illness in the new chapter added to the updated paperback edition of his autobiography "Confess", he said: "I think it was important [to talk about it], because for everybody it's incredibly scary. The first thing my guy doctor told me, he goes, 'You've got cancer. I'm gonna take your prostate out. Come with me to this other room.' And my world starts really... 'Oh my god. I've got cancer...' I think that's a very natural reaction. And he goes, 'Have you got a question?' I go, 'Am I going to die?' He goes, 'No, you're not going to die. I'm gonna do this. I'm gonna do this.' They're so positive and they're so reinforcing yourself through those early few days of understanding your condition.

"And I'll tell you something, as I said in the book, I felt so terribly selfish, because [I thought], 'Oh God, I've got cancer. I've got cancer.' And then I see these commercials for Phoenix children's hospital and these little kids — little kids — with cancer fighting for their lives. And I go, 'For God's sake, you got so far in your life and you've got this to deal with and you've got the most incredibly talented people to look after you and make you well.'

"So it was a readjustment for me," Rob said. "I was really, really ashamed of myself to have that kind of perspective. But I pushed through that, and then I just got on with the job that needed to be done. And yeah, we went into gory and amusing details in that edition of 'Confess'."

Halford went on to say that cancer treatment has improved dramatically in recent years and that fewer patients die of cancer than ever before.

"As a younger person, the 'C' word [cancer], as it used to be called, for a lot of people, the outcome was gonna be remarkably different to where we are today," he said. "It's just fantastic, the way that the improvements and the way that people are treated now. It's given everybody many, many greater chances of living long, healthy lives. And so we should all be grateful for that."

In "Confess", Halford revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer after experiencing symptoms for at least a couple of years.

In July 2020, Rob underwent prostatectomy, an operation where the entire prostate gland is removed plus some of the tissue around it, including the seminal vesicles. After more cancer was found in 2021, he went through radiation treatments in April and May 2021 and eventually got then all-clear in June 2021. He also had an appendectomy after a tumor was discovered on his appendix.

Halford's cancer battle is one of a number of health scares the members of PRIEST have had to deal with in recent years. In September 2021, guitarist Richie Faulkner suffered an acute cardiac aortic dissection during the band's performance at the Louder Than Life festival. Faulkner was rushed to the UofL Health - Jewish Hospital where the cardiothoracic surgery team needed approximately 10 hours to complete a life-saving surgery.

PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease nine years ago — after being stricken by the condition at least half a decade earlier — but announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of the band's latest album, "Firepower". He was replaced by "Firepower" producer Andy Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.

"Confess" was released in September 2020 via Hachette Books. It was written with Ian Gittins, co-writer of "The Heroin Diaries" by Nikki Sixx.

HALESTORM's Lzzy Hale joined the multi-platinum rock band DAUGHTRY on stage last Monday (March 27) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England to perform a cover of the JOURNEY classic "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)". Professionally filmed video of her appearance can be seen below.

This past January, DAUGHTRY released a studio version of its "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" cover, featuring vocals from Hale. The new rendition of the track arrived exactly 40 years to the day that the original song was released on January 5, 1983. True to its roots with an updated grit, the single has racked up millions of streams on YouTube and Spotify, earning praise from heavy-hitters like Variety, Billboard, Consequence and American Songwriter, among others.

At the time of the DAUGHTRY song's release, Lzzy said in a statement: "Chris Daughtry and I have been threatening to unleash a duet for years. What better way to do that than by paying tribute to one of our mutual influences…. JOURNEY! This song is not only part of the 'Stranger Things' soundtrack, but has been my go-to for karaoke for as long as i can remember! I'm so honored to have been a part of this and I hope it makes you smile as big as I did while recording it!"

Chris added: "I've always loved the song and I was wanting to do a classic cover and my wife and I were watching the 'Stranger Things' season finale and there's this incredibly intense scene and 'Separate Ways' was a big part of this scene. It was so moving just the way it was used, it felt so cool and epic and I was immediately like 'THIS is the one! We have to cover this song.' Then I was, like, 'How can we make this extra special? What if it was a duet? What if we got Lzzy on it!!??" Needless to say I was pumped she said yes and I absolutely love how it turned out."

In April, DAUGHTRY released the official music video for "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" featuring Hale.

"This was an unexpected video in a lot of ways," Daughtry admitted. "I don't think either of us, Lzzy or myself, were actually 'dressed' for a video shoot. We were basically just trying to get some b-roll to capture the studio experience of recording this track. But when we got the footage back, it was like, 'Well… This looks way cooler than I expected, so… I guess we have a music video now?' Haha. It was the most low-key, low-pressure video I've ever done."

"There's a magic that happens when you decide to do a project with people you've adored for years," Hale added. "We cultivated that chemistry into such a beautiful launch point, and 'Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)' is the result of that friendship. Thank you to everyone for giving this song wings, and thank you to the incredible Daughtry for inviting me to fly alongside!"

DAUGHTRY, one of the most visible and best-selling rock bands of the 21st Century, has sold out concerts across the globe. Their debut album, the self-titled "Daughtry", was the top-selling album of 2007, and was the fastest-selling rock debut album in SoundScan history. It was also nominated for four Grammy Awards and won four American Music Awards and seven Billboard Music Awards, including "Album Of The Year". The subsequent albums, "Leave This Town" (2009),"Break The Spell" (2011) and "Baptized" (2013) have all gone platinum, with "Cage To Rattle" (2018) certified gold. In 2020, DAUGHTRY released its first single from the album "World On Fire", which marked a return to the band's rock roots and the top of the charts.

Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER have already discussed a musical direction, title and possible lyrical themes for their upcoming sixteenth studio album.

DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci offered an update on the follow-up to 2021's "A View From The Top Of The World" during a June 5 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk".

While promoting DREAM THEATER's summer 2023 "Dreamsonic" North American tour with special guests Devin Townsend and ANIMALS AS LEADERS, Petrucci was asked if he and his bandmates have talked about their next studio LP. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, we have talked about it a little bit. Obviously, we're gonna finish out this 'Dreamsonic' leg. We've been touring pretty non-stop, so we'll take a little bit of time and get started on a new record. We've talked about some ideas on direction. We've talked about a title, a possible concept — not a concept record, but a direction. So, yeah, so it's starting, it's bubbling, but no concrete musical ideas yet. We'll most likely get together towards the end of the year, beginning of the next and do this all again."

Petrucci continued: "It's my favorite thing about all this, and it's kind of the same with touring and getting to play live. Every night you walk on stage, it's like a new opportunity to do it again, to play it again, to play better, try better, fix something you messed up. Every record you go into is, as a creative person, just such a great moment. You roll up your sleeves, like, 'Man, let's do this.' And I love that. So we will get into that for album number 16 towards the end of this year, beginning of next."

"The Alien", a track from "A View From The Top Of The World", landed DREAM THEATER its first-ever Grammy in the "Best Metal Performance" category at the 64th annual Grammy Awards, which was held in April 2022 in Las Vegas. DREAM THEATER's previous Grammy nominations were for the song "On The Backs Of Angels", from 2011's "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" album, and the single "The Enemy Inside" from 2013's "Dream Theater".

"A View From The Top Of The World" was described in a press released as "DREAM THEATER at its musical finest, expanding on the sound they helped create while maintaining the elements that have garnered them devoted fans around the globe." The seven-song album also marked the second studio album with InsideOut Music/Sony Music. The artwork was created by longtime cover collaborator Hugh Syme (RUSH, IRON MAIDEN, STONE SOUR). "A View From The Top Of The World" was produced by Petrucci, engineered and additional production by James "Jimmy T" Meslin and mixed/mastered by Andy Sneap.

QUEENSRŸCHE's estranged drummer Scott Rockenfield says that "there are many truths that will need to be addressed" in the upcoming trial in connection with the lawsuit he filed against the band's fellow original members Michael Wilton (guitar) and Eddie Jackson (bass). The trial is set for 9 a.m. on January 16, 2024 in Snohomish County Superior Court in the state of Washington.

Earlier today (Tuesday, June 6),Scott took to his personal Facebook page to once again share a copy of the May 5 "notice of trial setting and certificate of trial confirmation", and he included the following message: "I want to send out a BIG thanx to everyone who has commented/responded - regardless of it being good, bad, uninformed, or indifferent for that matter…But the facts are is that I have been in the 'music business' for over 40 years now (and yes, it's a business like any others),and there are situations in life/business that may arise that need to be addressed and/or resolved…(And to clarify, I was in full band work/communication since 2017, and continued to present music and offers that would benefit the band and our brands etc).....And I hold no ill will to anyone, including my 'business' partners…But I am also not going to be pushed around and/or not allowed to have what I have built and owned for over 40 years now…

"I started QR in my parents house when I was 17, and now as I begin my life turning 60 this month I'm going to stand tall and seek a result from a jury to determine if my 40 years are worth anything to me…it's as simple as that…I have been and am still/currently an equal 1/3 owner/shareholder of the QR brands/trademarks, and the facts are that my attorneys have been in 'communication and attempting' for almost 5 years now to attain an amicable resolve to these QR band matters to hopefully avoid any disruption to the QR brands etc, but we have been repeatedly denied (yes you read that correctly, we have been in communication and offering a resolve for over 5 years now )…unfortunately these attempts have led nowhere……So basically the situation now sets it all up with 'no choice' but to go and have a 'jury of peers' make whatever decisions they will decide to make…There are many truths that will need to be addressed…And so as I've said before, 'let's rock'…"

In October 2021, Rockenfield filed a lawsuit against Wilton and Jackson, alleging, among other things, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and wrongful discharge. In the lawsuit, which was filed in Snohomish County Superior Court, Rockenfield claimed that he took paternal leave of absence from QUEENSRŸCHE in February 2017 after his fiancée experienced complications during the birth of their son and had to have an emergency Cesarean delivery. According to the drummer, his leave of absence was approved by the members of QUEENSRŸCHE and he was to retain an equal one-third interest in all QUEENSRŸCHE companies (QR Companies),including Tri-Ryche Corporation, Melodisc LTD., Queensryche Merchandising, Inc., EMS Music, LLC and Queensryche Holdings, LLC.

Scott alleged that or about October 11, 2018, Wilton and Jackson purportedly "voted to dismiss Rockenfield from the QR Companies due in whole or in part to his taking of approved family leave. Rockenfield was informed of his purported dismissal from the QR Companies in a letter dated November 3, 2018."

According to Rockenfield's complaint, since 2017, Wilton and Jackson "have wrongfully withheld from Rockenfield all sources of income from the QR Companies in violation of the various Operating Agreements and Contracts governing the QR Companies for no lawful purpose." In addition, they "have failed to provide Rockenfield with an accounting of the books, records, business and contracts of the QR Companies."

Although Rockfenfield said he had continued to receive royalties from Tri-Ryche since February 2017 for the old catalogue, he claimed he had "received no payments from Melodisc since February 2017, and no payments from Queensryche Merchandising since early 2018, and no payments from EMS since February 2017."

Rockfenfield also claimed that Wilton and Jackson did not include him in the recording of QUEENSRŸCHE's latest album, "The Verdict", "despite his availability and willingness to participate."

During all of 2017 and 2018, Rockenfield claimed, he "remained active in all aspects of the QR Companies' business, song writing, licensing options, and communications with the exception of touring.

Rockenfield claimed to be "owed compensation for lost wages and profits as, as well as an amount equal to the present fair market value of his equity interest in the QR Companies as of his wrongful dismissal, plus interest thereon."

On March 10, 2022, Wilton and Jackson filed their "answers, affirmative defenses and counterclaims" in which they denied Rockenfield was wrongfully dismissed from QUEENSRŸCHE. In the document, they claimed that Rockenfield announced in March 2017 that he was taking a few months off from touring fully aware that "QUEENSRŸCHE was in the middle of a tour and was contractually obligated to play a number of live concerts, including an upcoming April 1, 2017 concert in California, to be followed by several concerts in the U.S. scheduled for April and May, and that QUEENSRŸCHE, including Rockenfield, had agreed and were scheduled in June 2017 to play 13 live shows at different venues across Europe. Rockenfield's sudden departure required Jackson and Wilton to locate and hire a drummer" — former KAMELOT drummer Casey Grillo — "so that the band could comply with their contractual touring obligations."

Wilton and Jackson went on to say that Rockenfield "made no effort to assist the band in finding a substitute drummer for the remaining concert dates on the QUEENSRŸCHE tour." They also claimed that they, along with singer Todd La Torre and the band's manager began attempting to contact Rockenfield "near the end of 2017" to discuss his participation on the next QUEENSRŸCHE album. However, "Rockenfield only sporadically responded to band members and band management about participating in the recording the new album. On those occasions when Rockenfield did respond to members of QUEENSRŸCHE or band management, he obfuscated and refused to commit or agree to rejoin the band or to participate in the process of recording the new album."

According to the document, QUEENSRŸCHE management contacted Rockenfield via e-mail in late 2017 and informed him that "QUEENSRŸCHE had to have a declaration from Rockenfield as to whether or not he intended to participate in recording on the band's album. Rockenfield was informed by QUEENSRŸCHE management that due to his continued obfuscation, that his failure to respond with anything other than a commitment to rejoin the band for their album, would necessarily be deemed a 'no.' Rockenfield subsequently acquiesced to QUEENSRŸCHE hiring another drummer to take Rockenfield's place."

Wilton and Jackson also accuses Rockenfield of failing to generate any income to pay off a loan used to cover the settlement QUEENSRŸCHE had reached with the band's original singer Geoff Tate nine years ago.

"When QUEENSRŸCHE had negotiated their financial settlement with Tate in 2014, QUEENSRŸCHE's then attorney recommended and arranged for Jackson, Wilton and Rockenfield to secure a loan from a particular third party lender, the proceeds of which would to be used to pay Tate a lump sum of the entire amount of the agreed upon settlement," the document states. "Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield signed the loan agreement as individuals doing business as QUEENSRŸCHE. Under the Agreement, Jackson, Wilton and Rockenfield were jointly and severally liable to the Lender for repayment of the loan. The Lender required the band members to pledge real property as security for the loan. Wilton and Jackson pledged real property that each individually owned. As additional security Wilton and Jackson were required to pledge specific valuable and irreplaceable personal property they had accumulated during their three decades of playing and performing in rock and roll music all over the world. Rockenfield did not own any real property. Rockenfield was only required to pledge some computer equipment he had used for recording his side project, Hollywood Loops. With the rapid advancement of computer technology, any value of the computer equipment Rockenfield pledged, quickly diminished."

According to the document, Jackson, Wilton and Rockenfield were required to make regular monthly payments or risk default" on the loan "and loss of the property they'd pledged as security. The loan prohibited Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield from selling or otherwise disposing of personal property pledged as security for the loan, and provided that, if any of the property pledged as security was disposed of prior to the loan having been paid in full, the loan would come immediately due. Prior to the loan being paid in full, Rockenfield sold or otherwise disposed of the property he'd pledged as security for the loan."

Wilton and Jackson noted in the document that "the revenue generated through QUEENSRŸCHE concerts was the primary income source that allowed QUEENSRŸCHE band members to stay current on Tate loan. Since Rockenfield left the band in Spring 2017, Rockenfield has not generated any income for use to pay off the loan used to pay Tate. Since Rockenfield left the band in 2017, he has not contributed any money to pay off the Tate loan. Rockenfield's failure to generate any income for the band after leaving in 2017, resulted in the other obligors, Jackson and Wilton, shouldering the entire responsibility to pay off the Tate loan, including Rockenfield's portion, and, Rockenfield's actions put Jackson and Wilton at risk of default and loss of their own property."

According to the document, Rockenfield opted not to participate in any of at least 65 concerts QUEENSRŸCHE played between March of 2017 and October 2018, and was informed and invited to attend pre-production meetings for "The Verdict" album in 2018. "Although the band's pre-production work was occurring approximately 10-12 miles from Rockenfield's residence, he declined to take part," the document states.

Wilton and Jackson also accused Rockenfield of "intentionally and wrongfully withdrawing $10,000.00 in cash from QUEENSRŸCHE without permission and for his own personal use," "intentionally and wrongfully charging personal expenses to his QUEENSRŸCHE company credit card" and "removing video-wall panels without notice or permission from the band's storage facility."

Regarding how Wilton and Jackson came to dismiss Rockenfield from the QUEENSRŸCHE companies, the guitarist and bassist claimed that they "provided Rockenfield with 10 days written notice of a shareholder/board meeting of the QR Companies, with a notice of the date, time and location of that meeting place, and an advisement that the subject matter of the meetings was the dismissal of Rockenfield from the QUEENSRŸCHE companies. On October 11, 2018, the day before the scheduled meeting, Rockenfield sent Jackson and Wilton a text message confirming he'd received notice of the meeting. Rockenfield requested that he be allowed to attend the meeting telephonically. Historically, telephonic attendance of meetings of the QR Companies was a commonplace practice for members of QR Companies. Wilton notified Rockenfield he could attend the meeting telephonically. Rockenfield received a text that confirmed the meeting location and included confirmation of the meeting time and the phone number that allowed Rockenfield to call in and participate telephonically in the meeting. On October 12, 2018, at the time scheduled for the meeting, Rockenfield failed to appear and failed to call in telephonically. After waiting for in excess of an hour without Rockenfield either appearing in person or calling to appear telephonically, and, the remaining members constituting a quorum, Rockenfield was formally voted out of the QR companies."

Wilton and Jackson went on to say that "Rockenfield's initial indication that he would participate, at least telephonically, in the October 12, 2018 meeting, only to fail to make any effort to do so, along with his to failure to notify either Jackson or Wilton that he was not going to participate, was consistent with the behavior Rockenfield had shown the band and in matters of QUEENSRŸCHE business for most of the previous year and a half."

Wilton and Jackson also took issue with Rockenfield's decision to launch a cryptic new QUEENSRŸCHE-centric web site in May 2021 without notice or permission from them. On the Queensryche2021.com web site, Rockenfield "'teased' viewers that he would be releasing new QUEENSRŸCHE music," according to the document. "Rockenfield followed his on-line posting with statements on social media that he was 'ready to rock,' inviting fans to join his site by providing him with their names and email contacts." They also claimed that "without permission or approval from QUEENSRŸCHE or its label, Rockenfield posted an out-take of a version of an old song QUEENSRŸCHE had decided not to use in a prior album." They added that "Rockenfield actually had no new QUEENSRŸCHE music to release and his on-line posts served only to confuse fans and damage the QUEENSRŸCHE brand."

Wilton and Jackson asked the court to dismiss Rockenfield's claims with prejudice, declare Rockenfield abandoned his position of employment with QUEENSRŸCHE and to award the two of them "general, special, and statutory damages and equitable remedies" that they are entitled to.

Photo credit: Century Media

I want to send out a BIG thanx to everyone who has commented/responded - regardless of it being good, bad, uninformed,...

Posted by Scott Rockenfield on Tuesday, June 6, 2023

With over 50,000 albums sold, 700,000+ monthly Spotify listeners, and more than 100 million streams, American hard rock experts, Throw The Fight, have already developed impressive numbers throughout their band history.


Three years after the release of their latest album, Settle Your Sins, the band marks their return with the upcoming full-length, Strangeworld, out June 30 via Long Branch Records. Produced by Josh Gilbert and Joseph McQueen (As I Lay Dying, Bad Wolves, Light The Torch, Upon A Burning Body), the record is a potent distillation of the strengths of their catalog and a huge step forward to the future.


Today, the band release their new track, "Lost Without You", alongside a video, marking the fourth and final single before their new album, Strangeworld, is released.




Singer Kade Katz comments: "'Lost Without You' was written after losing a loved one and watching family emotions during the grieving period.“


Stream "Lost Without You" and pre-order the new album here. Watch the new video below.





With a diehard audience earned the old-school way, and modern rock anthems suited for the digital age, Throw The Fight celebrates two decades of passion and perseverance. Mixing soaring melodicism and heavy bombast without ever sacrificing hooks, this Minnesota outfit was built to last.





Strangeworld will be released as LP Edition incl. transparent vinyl with blue streaks, CD Edition, Stream and Download. Exclusive T-Shirt+CD/LP Bundles are available for pre-order at the Long Branch Records Shop. Pre-order Strangeworld here:





Strangeworld tracklisting:


"Cover Your Tracks"
"Obey"
"Lost Without You"
"Sorry, Not Sorry"
"Hourglass"
"Shadow Self"
"Lost In The Lies"
"Snake Mountain"
"Wake Up!"


"Obey" video:





"Hourglass" video:





"Cover Your Tracks" video:








Throw The Fight are:


Kade Kastelitz - Vocals
Ryan Baustert - Guitar/Vocals
Kris Weiser - Guitar
Jeff Baustert - Drums


(Photo - Rick Fisher)

Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard's current stadium tour landed at Sweden Rock Festival in Solvesborg, Sweden on June 7. The Crüe have released this recap video:





Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe continue their 2023 co-headline The World Tour with the recent announcement of three exclusive Australian dates.




Produced by Live Nation and presented by Triple M, Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard will bring their electrifying stage shows to Australia, commencing with Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on November 8, Giants Stadium Sydney on November 11, and Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on November 14.


Tickets are on sale now.


“After getting back on the road this past summer, we’re beyond thrilled to bring this massive tour to a global audience including some special dates in Australia!” said Joe Elliott of Def Leppard.


“We had an incredible time playing The Stadium Tour in North America and we truly can’t wait to continue taking the show around the globe with The WORLD Tour in 2023. Crüeheads get ready because we have a few amazing Australian dates set for you!” Mötley Crüe said in a joint statement.





Australian dates:


November
8 - Brisbane - Suncorp Stadium
11 - Sydney - Giants Stadium
14 - Melbourne - Marvel Stadium

SinHeresy will release their new album Event Horizon on August 25 through Scarlet Records.


Mixed & mastered by Joost van den Broek (Powerwolf, Epica, Blind Guardian) and illustrated by Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Kamelot, Ad Infinitum), 'Event Horizon' will be released in the following formats:


- vinyl LP
- digipak CD
- digital




Preorder at scarletrecords.it.


The new SinHeresy effort ‘Event Horizon’ further enhances their unique sound made of punchy modern vibes, powerful riffing, captivating atmospheres and unforgettable melodies.


Each song is perfectly crafted around the crystalline voice of Cecilia Petrini and the strong vocals of Stefano Sain, which blend and duel from time to time while the rhythmic session is heavier and dynamic, showing touches of melodic metalcore influences.


The breathtaking ten tracks leads the listener on a journey towards the unknown, representing the endless discovery of the innermost emotions, virtues and frailties that sometimes we keep hidden even from ourselves.





Tracklisting:


“The Calling”
“Black Spirit”
“The Life You Left Behind”
“Castaways”
“Brighter Days”
“(R)evolution”
“Forbidden Desire”
“Event Horizon I: Gravity”
“Event Horizon II: Entropy”
“Event Horizon III: Singularity”


SinHeresy:
Cecilia Petrini - vocals, piano
Stefano Sain - vocals
Lorenzo Pasutto - guitars
Davide Sportiello - bass, keyboards
Gabriele Boz - drums


(Photo – Beatrice Demori / Oround Media)

Just in time for the release of their new album, The Poison Chalice, Dutch death thrashers, Legion Of The Damned, unleash their third brutally infectious single, “Contamination”, together with a hauntingly oppressive official music video, produced by frontman Maurice Swinkels himself. The new full-length, The Poison Chalice, drops tomorrow, June 9, via Napalm Records.


“Contamination” takes no prisoners – the track attacks mercilessly and kills everything in its path. With this release, the band once again proves that they are at the top of the scene. As shown during the live premiere of the song at Rock Hard festival, fans can look forward to their furious sets at the biggest metal festivals this summer, such as Wacken, Summer Breeze and Graspop.


Legion Of The Damned on “Contamination”: "'Contamination' deals with the appearance of a new plague, a manifestation of one of the horsemen of the apocalypse. A rapidly spreading, horribly lethal disease causes dilemmas and ruthless restrictions. Mass death occurs and societies collapse, deprived from their commodities. The title for this song was already floating around for previous albums, but never made it, so it was not directly inspired by the Corona pandemic. It is fair to assume more and perhaps more gruesome plagues will come and cause havoc on mankind. Remember the mass death during the ages of the black plague.”







Founded in 1990 as Occult, the thrash machine around founding members Maurice Swinkels and Erik Fleuren was reborn as Legion Of The Damned in 2005. On The Poison Chalice, the band unites with Fabian Verweij as second guitarist besides Twan van Geel and hails together with bassist Harold Gielen performing as a five piece for the first time ever on a studio album.





The Poison Chalice will be available in the following formats:


- 1 LP Gatefold Glow In The Dark Vinyl with Slipmat - strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide. Napalm Records Shop exclusive
- 1 LP Gatefold Light Green Transparent - strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide. EMP exclusive
- 1 LP Gatefold Black
- 2 CD Digipak incl Bonus CD containing live recordings from Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2022 and Dynamo Metal Fest 2020
- Music Cassette Green (strictly limited to 100 copies worldwide)
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"Saints In Torment"
"Contamination"
"Progressive Destructor"
"Skulls Adorn The Traitor’s Gate"
"Behold The Beyond"
"Retaliation"
"Savage Intent"
"Chimes Of Flagellation"
"Beheading Of The Godhead"
"The Poison Chalice"


Bonus CD:


"Werewolf Corpse" - Live At Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2022
"Pray And Suffer" - Live At Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2022
"Diabolist" - Live At Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2022
"Bleed For Me" - Live At Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2022
"Legion Of The Damned" - Live At Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2022
"Intro/Slaughtering The Pigs" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020
"Doom Priest" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020’
"Place Of Sin" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020
"Undead Stillborn" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020
"Intermezzo" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020
"Taste Of The Whip" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020
"Slaves Of The Southern Cross" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020
"The Window's Breed" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020
"Legion Of The Damned" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020
"Dark Coronation/Outro" - Live At Dynamo Metal Fest 2020


“The Poison Chalice” lyric video:





"Beheading Of The Godhead" video:





The Poison Chalice comes to life by spreading its eerily beautiful wings within the first few seconds, then dives headfirst into a hellishly furious storm before the second song "Contamination" absolutely kills. In classic Legion Of The Damned manner, there is no escape as the track relentlessly drives into the abyss.


The album spreads brutal and ice cold thrash soundscapes through relentless attacking drums and incredible guitar harmonies from both lead guitarists, underlined by angry bass lines. Infectious thrash treasures such as “Progressive Destructor”, and the almost seven-minute berserk “Behold The Beyond” break necks with hammering guitar riffs and bloody double bass infernos. “Beheading of The Godhead” delivers what the song title promises, before the past 48 minutes of hate closes with a final deep gulp from “The Poison Chalice” - leaving no one behind.


Together with producer Erwin Hermsen, the band has closed the gates of the underworld in Toneshed Studio and demonstrates that they remain the unchallenged masters of brute and unrelenting death-thrash metal in 2023.


Legion Of The Damned are:


Maurice Swinkels - vocals
Twan Van Geel - guitars
Fabian Verweij - guitars
Harold Gielen - bass
Erik Fleuren - drums


(Photo - Stefan Heilemann)

Australian heavy metal force, Night Legion, recently announced the release of their sophomore studio album, entitled Fight Or Fall. The album will be out on June 30, 2023 via Massacre Records.


Following the previously-released, first album appetizer, "The Hounds Of Baskerville", today, the band has unleashed a lyric video for their brand new single "Soaring Into The Black".


"This song is inspired by the world’s dark journey throughout history," the band comments. "It’s being led on the dark path, the fight for power, control & technology – the end result can only mean one thing = non-existence, destruction, war with ourselves and mother nature.




“It’s a reference that we’ve not looked back further enough hence never learning from mistakes. The damage done essentially will echo through the ages for all generations to see. In summary: We are essentially destined to crash and burn, hence soaring into the black."


With "Soaring Into The Black", Night Legion presents another big bold track with massive hooks and guitar wizardry. The song itself musically gives an uplifting feel which will resonate with the listener and immediately proves, the band's forthcoming offering, Fight Or Fall, is a no-nonsense return to fast and powerful heavy metal with screaming vocals, crushing guitars and hooks that remind you what great songwriting sounds like. This record won't be a happy walk through a forest of elves - this is the battlefield where metal lives and soaring vocals invoke the spirits of what made metal the force it is today.


Fight Or Fall was produced by Night Legion guitarist Stu Marshall, and was mixed and mastered by Chris Themelco at Monolith Studios. Preorder here.





Tracklisting:


“The Hounds Of Baskerville”
“Babylon Burns”
“Soaring Into The Black”
“Fight Or Fall”
“At World’s End”
“Beyond The Crimson Dawn”
“Harvest Of Sin”
“The Enemy”
“The Hand Of Death”


“Soaring Into The Black” lyric video:





“The Hounds Of Baskerville” lyric video:





Night Legion is:
Louie Gorgievski – Vocals 
Stu Marshall – Guitars 
Col Higginson – Guitars 
Glenn Williams – Bass 
Clay Tchakalian – Drums


Guest Musician:
Mike LePond (Symphony X, Death Dealer): Bass guitar on "The Hounds Of Baskerville"

Portland's old-school, gore-soaked, grinding death metal outfit Dripping Decay will unleash their Festering Grotesqueries full-length on August 18 via Satanik Royalty Records.


Originally founded by guitarist Neil Smith (Lord Gore, Frightmare, Blood Freak) in 2019, Dripping Decay’s solid, hellish sounds were later rounded out by vocalist Eric Stucke (Hallucinator), bassist Jackson Jordan (Conducting From The Grave), and drummer Jason Borton (Jungle Rot). All of the band members have been devout fans of death metal and grindcore for decades (some since the '90s), and they take their influence from bands like Repulsion, Terrorizer, Napalm Death, and Carcass. Take that blueprint and combine it with fast tempos, technical precision, and a licentious adoration of '80s Italian B-horror films, and you have a recipe for the fantastically repugnant makings of DRIPPING DECAY, making them stand in a class of their own amidst a sea of kids copy and pasting Entombed and Incantation riffs into oblivion.


Festering Grotesqueries' album artwork sees the return of their fashionably putrefied mascot, "Drippy" -- a creation of artist Toni K. Hietomaa, whose brilliantly sickening visions also graced the cover of Dripping Decay's 2021 demo, Watching You Rot. Look closely at the cover and you will see that the illustrations depict an abhorrent amalgamation of the album’s lyrical forays into the macabre, including a corpse being incinerated (a nod to "Cremator"), a man caught devouring his own arm in an act of gluttonous euphoria ("Autocannibal Ecstasy"), and another guy who can't stomach the grotesque sights in front of him, unleashing a river of vomit from his open mouth ("Barf Bag"). The illustration perfectly encapsulates Dripping Decay's ability to be both ferociously sincere and utterly, ridiculously tongue-in-cheek -- a balance all good death metal should strike.




In advance of the release of Festering Grotesqueries, today the band drops first single, “Barf Bag”.


Notes the band, “Based on the 1987 sleazoid melt/splatter film Street Trash, ‘Barf Bag’ is a fast old-school death metal track with hints of catchy ‘80s hardcore punk and crossover mixed in for good measure. Featuring guest vocals by Matt Slime from Philadelphia death metal fiends Coffin Dust and lyrics by Neil Smith, ‘Barf Bag’ is a gross-out anthem for all the sicko horror freaks and death/grind maniacs who like their shit fast, heavy, and disgusting!”


Festering Grotesqueries was recorded at Falcon Studios in Portland, Oregon with engineer Derek Leisy (Vitriol), mixed by Vincent Detto (Cerebral Rot, Mortiferum), and mastered by Dan Lowndes, who also mastered the 2021 demo, Watching You Rot. The album will be released via Satanik Royalty Records on all streaming services as well as CD, cassette, and vinyl in black, toxic green, and pink/orange marble variants. Preorder on Bandcamp.





Tracklisting:


“Septic Sentient Slime (Intro)”
“Autocannibal Ecstasy”
“Abundant Cadaveric Waste”
“Gut Muncher”
“Bay Of Blood”
“Barf Bag”
“Watching You Rot”
“Cremator”
“Dissolve Me”
“Dripping Decay”
“Chemical Lobotomy”
“Sadistic Excruciator”
“Limitless Sacrifice”
“Oozing Into Oblivion (Outro)”


“Barf Bag”:


Festering Grotesqueries by Dripping Decay


(Photo – Wendy O’Brien Jordan)

BLACK VEIL BRIDES and former HIM frontman Ville Valo — who now performs under the banner VV — have joined forces for a cover of the SISTERS OF MERCY classic "Temple Of Love". The collaborative track arrives three months ahead of the launch of BLACK VEIL BRIDES and VV's North American co-headlining tour, presented by Hot Topic and featuring special guests DARK DIVINE.

"I first discovered SISTERS OF MERCY in my freshman year of high school," BLACK VEIL BRIDES frontman Andy Biersack commented. "I had a poster of AFI from the 'Art Of Drowning' era and Davey was wearing a SOM shirt, and so, as was often the case back then, I went on the hunt to find the music that had inspired my favorite musicians. The very first song I heard by SOM was the '92 version of 'Temple Of Love' and I became obsessed with their entire catalog."

He continued: "We've talked about doing a BVB version of this song for years and when given the opportunity to collaborate with fellow SOM fan and goth-rock icon VV, it seems liked the perfect situation. We are thrilled with how it turned out and hope that anyone who's familiar with the track enjoys our spin on it and those who have never heard the original enjoy it and maybe this will lead them down the path to the greatness that is SOM like that poster of AFI did for me when I was a kid."

Committed to uncompromising expression, with a foundation in hard rock tradition and rule-breaking iconoclasm, BLACK VEIL BRIDES is a transcendent celebration of life-affirming power and anthemic catharsis. A gothic vision first summoned in a small town by an isolated kid fascinated with death, rock, theatricality, and monsters (both real and imagined),BLACK VEIL BRIDES is now a postmodern heavy metal institution with a legion of like-minded fans and supporters worldwide.

2021's "The Phantom Tomorrow" produced BVB's first Top 10 single, "Scarlet Cross". Last year's "The Mourning" EP offered similar success with "Saviour II", joining a rich catalog that includes "Knives And Pens" (over 160 million views on YouTube),the certified gold "Fallen Angels", and the recently certified platinum "In The End".

HIM, renowned as one of the most commercially successful Finnish bands of all time, has sold over ten million records. Ville Valo, the band's frontman, released a series of beloved albums with HIM from 1997 through 2013, boasting influential modern goth-rock anthems like "Right Here In My Arms", "Join Me In Death", "Buried Alive By Love" and "Rip Out The Wings Of A Butterfly". Declaring VV's solo debut, "Neon Noir", a perfect record for fans of HIM, GHOST and EVANESCENCE, Kerrang! wrote, "If you’ve been seduced in Mr. Valo's musical twilight before, then you can now prepare to pulse in the glow of the heartagram once again." In a VV cover story, Valo told the magazine, "It is a continuation of what I've done in the past and what might happen next."

When the BLACK VEIL BRIDES and Ville Valo tour was first announced, Biersack said in a statement: "We cannot wait to join forces with Ville Valo and give both of our audiences in North America an unforgettable experience each night. This run has been in the works for quite a while. We couldn't be happier now that we can finally share the news. Ville is an icon. We have all been fans of his, not only for his work in the hugely influential band HIM but as a torchbearer for an entire generation of rock fans and musicians."

"There's something tinnitus-inducingly romantic about the idea of being sandwiched nightly between BLACK VEIL BRIDES and DARK DIVINE on this autumnal trek across North America," commented Valo. "And imagining us explore the architecture of doom and gloom from three distinctly different musical perspectives has already made the bats in my belfry suitably ravenous."

Andy added: "This tour is a dream come true and will be something special. DARK DIVINE is new to the scene but garnering a lot of attention quickly and rightfully so. They are hands down one of the best young bands out there, and we are certain the BVB Army and VV fans will love them."

Photo credit: Jeremy Saffer

Grammy-winning rock band GRETA VAN FLEET has released a brand new track, "Farewell For Now". It is the latest song to be unveiled from the band's upcoming third studio album, "Starcatcher", due July 21 on Lava/Republic/EMI.

"Starcatcher" was written and recorded by the band — lead singer Josh Kizska, guitarist Jake Kizska, bassist/keyboardist Sam Kizska and drummer Danny Wagner — alongside Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile). Recorded at the legendary RCA Studios in Nashville, the band utilized the large recording room to capture the pure energy of their world-renowned live performances.

"We didn't really have to force or be intense about writing, because everything that happened was very instinctual," Jake says. "If anything, the record is our perspective, and sums up where we are as a group and individually as musicians."

Throughout the 10-song collection the band explores the duality of fantasy versus reality and the contrast between light and darkness. "We had this idea that we wanted to tell these stories to build a universe," says Wagner. "We wanted to introduce characters and motifs and these ideas that would come about here and there throughout our careers through this world."

GRETA VAN FLEET took multiple concepts from critically acclaimed second album "The Battle At Garden's Gate" and brought them into "Starcatcher", although Sam's take on the new record's big ideas hint instead at new beginnings.

"When I imagine the world of 'Starcatcher', I think of the cosmos," he says. "It makes me ask a lot of questions, like 'Where did we come from?' or 'What are we doing here?' But it's also questions like, 'What is this consciousness that we have, and where did it come from?'"

GRETA VAN FLEET is best known for its renowned live performances, selling over one million tickets worldwide. They sold out their entire 2022 arena tour, holding a special energy between them and their devoted fans. With "Starcatcher" the band aims to capture that energy in the recording studio.

"Starcatcher" follows GRETA VAN FLEET's album "The Battle At Garden's Gate", released in 2021 to extensive chart and critical success. In the US, the album debuted at No. 1 Billboard Rock Album, No. 1 Billboard Hard Rock Album, No. 1 Billboard Vinyl Album, No. 2 Billboard Top Album Sales and in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. It was a Top 10 album in the U.K. and a major hit around the world.

GRETA VAN FLEET's debut LP, "Anthem Of The Peaceful Army", was released in 2018 to countless accolades including No. 1 Billboard Rock Album and Top 3 on the Billboard 200. Their "From The Fires" EP, released in 2017, won "Best Rock Album" at the 61st Grammy Awards.

Formed in Frankenmuth, Michigan in 2012, GRETA VAN FLEET consists of three brothers — vocalist Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka and bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka — as well as drummer Danny Wagner. Together they have performed across multiple continents and sold over 3.5 million records worldwide.

"Starcatcher" track listing:

01. Fate Of The Faithful
02. Waited All Your Life
03. The Falling Sky
04. Sacred The Thread
05. Runway Blues
06. The Indigo Streak
07. Frozen Light
08. The Archer
09. Meeting The Master
10. Farewell For Now

Photo credit: Neil Krug / Wilful Publicity

Veteran rockers TESLA release dtheir new live album, "Full Throttle Live", on May 26. The LP includes the band's latest single, "Time To Rock!", plus other songs, all recorded last August at Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Independently recorded, mixed and produced by guitarist Frank Hannon and bassist Brian Wheat, this new live album truly captures TESLA in pure honest form, and even dives deeper into their roots by recording a live version of the 1974 AEROSMITH classic "S.O.S. (Too Bad)" as a bonus track. The heavier song choices range from "Miles Away" to more recent hard releases like the aforementioned "Time To Rock!" and "Cold Blue Steel". But don't worry, there are old TESLA classics captured too, like "Changes" and "Lazy Days, Crazy Nights", all recorded as TESLA is best — 100% full-throttle live.

"Miles Away" is the lead-off single release from "Full Throttle Live". The guys chose to put this song out first because it represents TESLA and the new live album's harder heavier sound. "Miles Away" is a fan favorite in concert with its heavy 6/8 rolling groove and blistering guitar solo. This is also an ironic song choice because the song lyrics are written about being a "rock star" on the road away from reality and missing home.

Track listing:

01. Miles Away
02. Changes
03. Time to Rock
04. Breakin' Free
05. Call It What You Want
06. Lazy Days Crazy Nights
07. Cold Blue Steel
08. Edison's Medicine
09. S.O.S. (Too Bad)

In a recent interview with Metal Edge, Hannon stated about "Full Throttle Live": "It's 100% live, and it was recorded at the Sturgis Bike Rally, which is one of the great events that we love. It's got motorcycles, rock music and a ton of energy. We love it, and the night that we played there, man, we were on fire. And I think we really captured it with this record… like lightning in a bottle. We've got a bonus track that we'll include, an old AEROSMITH song called 'S.O.S. (Too Bad)', and I don't think too many people know it. We basically went back to California, hunkered down in my garage, set up some microphones, and recorded it live right then and there. I think that song is one of their best songs, and it was killer to get to record it."

Regarding what inspired him and his bandmates to cover "S.O.S. (Too Bad)", Hannon said: "I've always loved it; it frickin' rocks. I feel that it's an example of AEROSMITH in their prime doing those sleazy guitar riffs. The 'Live! Bootleg' album was a game changer for me as a kid. When that came out, I studied that album by listening to it repeatedly through my headphones, and one of the things that I loved most was the raw energy. I've always loved live recordings, which really influenced TESLA in the '80s. When we made our first albums in the studio, like 'Mechanical Resonance' and 'The Great Radio Controversy', we recorded those as a band, together in a room. It was all live. There's a spontaneous energy there that can only be captured when the group is playing together, and I think you really lose that when you're playing separately. There's no way around that. Sure, we've done records that way recently out of convenience, but nothing feels better when we're in a room together, hammering it out. So, to do this AEROSMITH song in my garage live, with no restraints, was like taking the emergency brake off and just stepping on the gas."

In September 2021, TESLA drummer Troy Luccketta announced that he would "take a little time from the road" to spend with family and friends. He has since been replaced at TESLA's gigs by Steve Brown, the younger brother of former DOKKEN drummer Mick Brown.

Due to overwhelming demand, TESLA recently added five shows to its residency at House Of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new dates will begin on Friday, September 29.

Metallica made the first of two appearances at the Download Festival’s 20th anniversary weekend on June 8th. It had been over a decade since the band hit the stage in Donington Park, so they're making up for lost time with two unique and completely different setlists with no repeat songs.


Metallica has shared the setlist from Night One. Fan-filmed video from the show can be veiwed below.







"Creeping Death"
"Harvester of Sorrow"
"Leper Messiah"
"King Nothing"
"Lux Æterna"
"Screaming Suicide"
"Fade to Black"
"Sleepwalk My Life Away"
"Orion"
"Nothing Else Matters"
"Sad But True"
"The Day That Never Comes"
"Blackened"
"Fuel"
"Seek & Destroy"
"Master of Puppets"








Metallica's second Download Festival 2023 show will take place on Saturday, June 10th.