Having earned the rare endorsement of K.K. Downing as the next big thing in metal, and touring the U.K. supporting KK'S PRIEST, British newcomers TAILGUNNER have just signed with Napalm Records. Further endorsing his praise for the band, the JUDAS PRIEST guitar legend has now taken on a new role of producer for their dynamic sophomore album. TAILGUNNER have quickly made a name for themselves amongst heavy metal fans — this young band from the home country of metal is one to watch!

TAILGUNNER comments on the Napalm signing: "There are iconic partnerships — like denim and leather, Jack and Coke, and swords and tequila. Now we hope to add TAILGUNNER and Napalm Records to that list.

"We're proud of being pure heavy metal, with zero apologies or compromise. That's why joining the world's biggest independent metal label feels right at home.

"The blitzkrieg of our first three years as a band continues full throttle — with our upcoming sophomore album, and together with the incredible team at Napalm behind us and the great and legendary K.K. Downing producing the record, we're taking on the world n' planting the flag for British metal right at the top of it. Heavy metal for eternity!"

K.K. Downing states: "TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the U.K. They personify everything that is heavy metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in metal that has gone before — their energy and rawness, together with their brand of metal, incorporates all of the godfathers and much more. [IRON] MAIDEN, PRIEST, MOTÖRHEAD, DEF LEPPARD — the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true Metal favourite of the fans."

Napalm Records senior A&R Sebastian Münch adds: "Over the past few months, I've been fortunate enough to witness the development of the new album, and it's simply incredible. K.K. Downing has already said everything perfectly here. TAILGUNNER are not a copy or nostalgically drawing on IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST or DEF LEPPARD, but are creating their own fresh, authentic heavy metal universe."

TAILGUNNER will support FOZZY on the "Eyes On You" U.K. tour in February 2026.

TAILGUNNER is:

Craig Carns - Vocals
Rhea Thompson - Lead Guitar
Zach Salvini - Lead Guitar
Bones - Bass

Photo credit: Tunde Valiszka

During an appearance on the latest episode of the "One Life One Chance With Toby Morse" podcast, Mark "Barney" Greenway spoke about the fact that NAPALM DEATH is often classified as a political band. He said in part (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "Ultimately, the thing about politics is it's meaningless unless you put human beings first. That's the point. It doesn't matter where you position yourself. The ultimate thing, for me at least, is to be a human being. That transcends everything. So, although I'm sort of set on the fence a little bit in some ways because even though my upbringing was kind of, sort of — I hate to say this; it sounds a bit contrived — but I kind of came from a left-wing background. My dad and my brothers were union people, which in the U.K. was traditionally quite left-wing. Also in the U.S., but less so now, I think. In the U.K. it was always — if you are a union person, generally you were kind of, sort of a left-leaning person. So, that's the house I grew up in. And I also was a union rep for some time. So, yeah, that was my background. But above and beyond that, in my formative years — 14, 15, 16, when you start to think about things — I was, like, 'Well, yeah, you know what? It's gonna benefit me in this world if I always try and advocate for world peace and dignity for everybody.' So we're striving for that — still now striving for that, in our own ways, to whatever capacity that we have."

Greenway went on to say that polarization is not necessarily a new phenomenon but is more noticeable now because of social media.

"The thing is it's very easy to look at what's going on now and go, 'Well, it's worse than it's ever been,' but there always was quite a significant amount of that stuff going on throughout the world," he said.

Greenway previously spoke about the perception that NAPALM DEATH is a political band in a 2022 interview with RAMzine. He said at the time: "Well, the thing is is this: I would say we're equally apolitical because the ideas that we actually espouse are human ideas, and human ideas surely, and should, transcend politics. But, yeah, for sure, I'm a person — I come from the left; that's how I grew up; that was where my ideas kind of came from. So, yeah, it's that. That's what we are — we are a 'human ideas' band."

Asked if he ever encounters fans who begrudge him for his opinions and how he feels and what he represents, Greenway said: "From time to time, you get people that are in opposition to what you say, but you know what? That's fine, man. I'm not here to beat people with a stick; that's not the point. 'Cause that's kind of entrapment in a way. And I'm not there. But I am here to say there is a better way; there are better ways. It doesn't mean I'm here to say, 'You must do what I say and do what I do.' The whole essence of where NAPALM takes ideas was about actually true freedom, anarchy in a way — peaceful anarchy. So that's where I continue to… that's where my path goes."

More than a decade ago, Greenway told Washington Post Express that he wasn't a fan of "mainstream" politics. "The power structures really bug me," he said. "I won't go into this too deeply because we'll be at this forever, but I think the structures that are in place at the moment give the people in power more rights than you and me have, and how can that be right? Systems evolve and systems change, and maybe there's an argument that the whole worldwide system really needs to change so the people at the bottom of the scale right now really get more input, because it's just not happening and it needs to at some point if we want to maintain a peaceful, tolerant world — it's just got to. So, in that sense, NAPALM's not really — I'm probably playing cat among the pigeons right here — but is it really a political band at the end of the day? I don't know. I see it as an extension of the things I believe in, and the band does: humanitarianism and peace and tolerance. Is that politics? Maybe it is and maybe it isn't; I don't know. But would I still be involved [in social issues] if the band were to go on pause? Well, yeah, because I was of that nature before I joined the band. It wasn't like I flipped a coin overnight and decided this was how I was gonna direct myself; I was that way, to be honest, since I was 6 or 7 years old. My dad was involved with trade unions, and I understand what I believe to be injustice. So, I will always be involved with something, because I can't really see me working for someone in a suit, making money for them, and getting really bored. [Laughs]"

NAPALM DEATH are credited as pioneers of the grindcore genre by incorporating elements of crust punk and death metal, using a noise-filled sound that uses heavily distorted, down-tuned guitars, grinding overdrive bass, high-speed tempos, blast beats, and vocals that consist of incomprehensible growls or high-pitched shrieks. Their music features extremely short songs, fast tempos, and sociopolitical lyrics. Even after exerting an indelible influence on the entire world of heavy music for nearly 40 years, there is still no band on Earth that sounds like NAPALM DEATH. Not just pioneers, but an enduring benchmark for invention and fearlessness in heavy and experimental music of all kinds, the Birmingham legends are still hurtling forward at full pelt.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone Brasil, SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker spoke about the driving motivation behind his decision to form the band sixty years ago in Hanover, Germany. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "First of all, nothing is easy. So for me, I have an important point, but I found out later why I made it. It's because I was setting the goal very high. I set it so high that other people thought I'm stupid and I'm crazy, whatever their thought [was]. [With] the postwar generation, like Klaus [Meine, SCORPIONS singer] and me are, I said, it would be great to go out in the world and show the people, here is a new generation. They're not coming with tanks and making war. The new generation is coming and making music."

Schenker's latest comments echo those he made more than three years ago when he told Headliner Chicago that it was important for him to challenge the world's perception of Germany when SCORPIONS first formed.

"We weren't born in England or America, where rock and roll was really born. [Instead, we] learned from our idols," Rudolf said at the time. "[When we first formed] we said to ourselves, 'In Germany, we want to go and make bridges with our music, show that from Germany they're not coming with tanks and making war; they're coming with guitars, playing love, peace and rock and roll.'"

Also in 2022, Schenker told Metal Hammer magazine that he was still inspired by the idea of making new music, even in his 70s. "Of course," he said. "I'm from the 50s, so I saw THE BEATLES and THE ROLLING STONES when they first started changing things. I was there and said, 'Yes, I want to do this. I believe in rock.' People would say, 'Why do you do these things? Music?! Wake up! What will you do when you're 30 or 40?' but I'm still here making music and they're all not living or looking like they're 90."

Regarding how he has managed to keep SCORPIONS going for so long, Rudolf told Classic Rock: "From the very beginning, I wanted the right chemistry. It's very important that you have friendship in the band. When I founded the band, I said, 'Look, we don't have a boss here. We are a democracy.' This was a very important point. Keep the band as close as possible."

SCORPIONS' latest album, "Rock Believer", was released in 2022. The LP was recorded primarily at Peppermint Park Studios in Hannover, Germany and was mixed at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, Germany with engineer Michael Ilbert, who has earned multiple Grammy nominations for his mix work with producer Max Martin on albums by Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.

SCORPIONS originally intended to record "Rock Believer" in Los Angeles with producer Greg Fidelman, whose previous credits include SLIPKNOT and METALLICA. However, because of the pandemic, some of the initial work was done with Greg remotely, after which SCORPIONS opted to helm the recordings themselves with the help of their engineer Hans-Martin Buff.

SCORPIONS' latest LP marked their first release since 2017's "Born To Touch Your Feelings - Best Of Rock Ballads", which was an anthology of new and classic material.

SCORPIONS' previous full-length collection of new recordings was "Return To Forever", partially comprising songs the band had in the vault from the '80s. It was the final recorded appearance of SCORPIONS' longtime drummer James Kottak, who was dismissed from the band in September 2016. He has since been replaced by Mikkey Dee, formerly of MOTÖRHEAD.

For the first single from the companion album, Best Of Nine Inch Nails Redux, to be released in parallel with the forthcoming MER Redux Series instalment, The Downward Spiral Redux, Albuquerque stoner metal outfit, Blue Heron, pay a fierce and sizzling tribute in the shape of the somewhat caged video clip for the track “Head Like A Hole”.

Both tribute albums are scheduled for release on November 28. Pre-order here.

Watch the “Head Like A Hole” video below.

“It’s always been a dream to cover a Nine Inch Nails song, but the opportunity never presented itself being that I’ve never played in an Industrial band”, Blue Heron bassist “Big” Steve Schmidlapp writes. “I was beyond excited when we were asked to do a track for the Nine Inch Nails Redux and was shocked that ‘Head Like A Hole’ hadn’t already been taken. ‘Head Like A Hole’ was the gateway song for me and many others to find Nine Inch Nails and industrial music in the early 90s. I always felt like the synthesized bass line would be a badass heavy groovy guitar riff, which was the foundation of how we approached creating our rendition. We definitely put our own stamp on the song, I’m excited to hear what people think of it.”



Best Of Nine Inch Nails Redux tracklisting:

Snakemother – “The Day The World Went Away” / “Sin”
Blue Heron – “Head Like A Hole”
Graycon – “Right Where It Belongs”
The Ocean – “Even Deeper”
Evi Vine – “This Isn’t The Place”
Nonexistent Night – “The Perfect Drug”
The Moth Gatherer – “The Hand That Feeds”
Chrome Ghost – “Every Day Is Exactly The Same”
Marissa Nadler – “The Great Below”
Bees Made Honey In The Vein Tree – “Over & Out”
Thou – “Suck”
Orbiter – “Terrible Lie”
Bleakheart – “Something I Could Never Have”

Drawing on three of the most impactful careers in American rock, HOWL OWL HOWL is a brand-new band with an old-school rock and roll soul — and an elusive musical creature, rarely seen in the wild: A true rock supergroup.

Founded by Grammy-winning HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH frontman/multi-platinum country star Darius Rucker, REM co-founder/Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Mike Mills and THE BLACK CROWES co-founding drummer and lauded media personality Steve Gorman, HOWL OWL HOWL rekindles the spirit of the authentic rock band. Infusing roots rock with an open-minded alternative flair — plus a fluid rhythm section and the barrel-chested vocal rasp of an iconic frontman — it was born from friendship and the pure joy of collaboration, and powered by the world-class instincts of true originals. After moving in the same orbit through their hard-touring '90s heyday, the three founding members are far from done making noise.

HOWL OWL HOWL will release its debut song, "My Cologne", on October 31, to be followed by the band's inaugural tour, kicking off on November 3 at the Vogue in Indianapolis, Indiana.

"It feels great to be singing with a rock band again. It's like buddies getting together, but also getting to play with your idols," Rucker explains. "The stuff we're writing is so different than anything I've tried to do before."

"You never can explain band chemistry," Mills adds. "We all like each other. And we all admire each other musically. All those things come together and if it weren't fun, we wouldn't be doing it."

Some 30 years in the making, an upcoming album captures the group's wide range of sonic influence in melody-driven freeform style. From punchy garage rock and jangle pop to throwback soul, blues, and beyond, self-penned songs veer from deeply personal to colorful and quirky, for a set steeped in the rebellious passion and forever-young philosophy of rock … yet designed in a different phase of life.

The band traces its beginnings back to 2019, when Gorman pulled the longtime friends together for a Nashville benefit show. Then in 2021, they began working in earnest. With no idea considered off limits, each member contributed to original songwriting in a series of loose, freewheeling studio sessions, building a sound moment by moment. Their combined experience went to good use, and the refreshing result grew well beyond any just-for-fun expectations.

"The concept from day one was, 'Let's just write a bunch of songs together and see what we think, see if there's anything cool that comes from it' – there was no grand design beyond that," Gorman says. "And then we all hit this realization of, 'This is actually really good! I think we've caught something.'"

"Writing these songs — it feels great to get to do it the way we did it back in the day," Rucker agrees. With more maturity and humility — but the same swagger each member brought to their genre-defining first act — the near-mythical group will hit the road in late 2025; a new era started for all the right reasons. HOWL OWL HOWL has been a rewarding leap of faith, the group says. And the excitement is real.

"I hope people listen to this and realize it's just three old rock & roll friends that started hanging out," Rucker explains.

"We all truly dig the record. We knew it would be fun and we knew it would be cool and all those things, but this is beyond that," Gorman adds. "This is a record we would feel when we were much younger. This is a record we'd be proud of in any of our other bands."

HOWL OWL HOWL tour dates:

Nov. 03 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
Nov. 04 - Chicago, IL @ Metro Chicago
Nov. 06 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Nov. 07 - Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
Nov. 08 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club - Music Hall
Nov. 11 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Nov. 12 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Nov. 14 - Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
Nov. 15 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

Photo credit: Steven Cohen

Three legends collide for one epic band. Introducing Howl Owl Howl, a rock supergroup comprised of Hootie frontman...

Posted by Howl Owl Howl on Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Duff McKagan has unveiled "Fallen Ones" from "Lighthouse: Live From London", an all-new live album and full-length concert film recorded last October during his sold-out "Lighthouse Tour '24". The 19-track collection will be available in a wide variety of formats, including digital, CD Digipak, CD and Blu-ray digipak (with live audio and the complete "Lighthouse: Live From London" concert film),2LP 180g black vinyl (with gatefold sleeve and ticket replica),and limited-edition 2LP 180g black vinyl (with live audio, complete concert film, gatefold sleeve, and autographed ticket replica signed by McKagan). "Lighthouse: Live From London" arrives on Friday, October 31. Pre-orders/pre-saves are available now via duffmckagan.com.

Recorded and filmed October 5, 2024, before a sold-out crowd at London, England's historic Islington Assembly Hall, "Lighthouse: Live From London" sees McKagan and his band performing songs from throughout the iconic musician-songwriter's legendary career, including stellar renditions of tracks originally found on his critically acclaimed third solo album, 2023's "Lighthouse". Among the live album's many highlights is an unforgettable take on the plaintive fan favorite "Longfeather", premiering everywhere alongside an official live performance video streaming now on YouTube.

"Lighthouse Tour '24" saw McKagan lighting up sold-out houses across North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom, joined by his murderer's row of musicians, guitarist Tim DiJulio, guitarist/keyboardist Jeff Fielder, bassist Mike Squires, and drummer Michael Musburger, with live sound engineered by longtime collaborator Martin Feveyear. Recorded and mixed by Feveyear, "Lighthouse: Live From London" collects electrifying in-concert versions of such McKagan originals as "I Saw God On 10th St.", "Lighthouse" and the volatile "Chip Away" (a personal favorite of Bob Dylan himself),along with breakneck performances of THE STOOGES' "I Wanna Be Your Dog", THE CRICKETS' (by way of THE BOBBY FULLER FOUR and THE CLASH) "I Fought The Law", and GUNS N' ROSES' classic "You're Crazy". What's more, "Lighthouse: Live From London" features a very special guest appearance by SEX PISTOLS co-founding guitarist Steve Jones that sees the two friends (and NEUROTIC OUTSIDERS bandmates) joining forces for once-in-a-lifetime renditions of Johnny Thunders' "Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory" and David Bowie's "Heroes", the latter of which can be viewed now below.

For more than 40 years, Duff McKagan has been an unstoppable creative force, spanning a multitude of bands, tours, collaborations, writings, and an ongoing solo body of work that includes such critically acclaimed albums as 2019's Shooter Jennings-produced "Tenderness" and 2023's soul-searching "Lighthouse". Starting at just 15, McKagan has been a part of such diverse and influential bands as THE VAINS (1979),THE FASTBACKS (1980),THE LIVING (1982),THE FARTZ (1990),10 MINUTE WARNING (1993) and LOADED (1998),along, of course, with his historic role as founding member of both GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER. In addition to his prolific musical efforts, McKagan is The New York Times best-selling author of 2011's "It's So Easy: And Other Lies" and 2015's "How To Be A Man: (And Other Illusions)", and the co-host (with Susan Holmes McKagan) of the popular "Three Chords & The Truth" radio show, airing in North America on SiriusXM's Ozzy's Boneyard (Ch. 38). In addition, "Three Chords & The Truth" airs weekly on stations around the globe, including the U.K.'s Planet Rock, Denmark's myROCK, Finland's Radio Rock, Germany/Switzerland/Austria's Rock Antenne, Iceland and Canada's x977, and Poland's Antyradio.

"Lighthouse: Live From London" track listing:

01. Forgiveness
02. Chip Away
03. This Is The Song
04. I Saw God On 10th St.
05. Tenderness
06. Feel
07. Holy Water / I Wanna Be Your Dog
08. I Just Don't Know
09. Fallen Ones
10. Fallen
11. Wasted Heart
12. Longfeather
13. Just Another Shakedown
14. I Fought The Law
15. You're Crazy
16. Lighthouse
17. Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory (feat. Steve Jones)
18. Heroes (feat. Steve Jones)
19. Don't Look Behind You

In a new interview with Jordi Pinyol, legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen spoke about how the music industry has changed in the four decades since he launched his career as a professional musician. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The industry itself, it's not a pretty thing. But the truth of the matter is that the recording industry was existing on one premise in the '70s and '80s, whatever, for the longest time until today, and it was the record labels wanted to make money. It's like any company — they make a product and they wanna sell it. So therefore, if there was a certain band or certain trend that came up, they would go, 'Oh, let's find the next one.' 'Let's find the next one.' 'Let's find the next one.' They would sign bands and acts every week. And it became like a puppy mill of this where the quality was maybe not the greatest all the time. There would be an originator and then there'd be a lot of copies, and then there'd be an originator… And I'm not talking about me or guitar; I'm talking about styles. When the grunge [movement] came out, it was NIRVANA who started it, and then it was a million grunge bands that I don't even know the names for. Or the glam thing, for instance, POISON or whatever, when that happened, they had 15, 20 other bands on MTV every day that that would sound and look the same. And then that went out of style. And the reason this was happening was because they knew what would sell. There was a format. Everything was a format. You have a format on the radio, you have a format on MTV, you know — that's it. And then if that changes, you change the acts that you sign in order to make money. Now the rug was pulled out under this because the product doesn't exist. Why would you spend money on trying to sell something that doesn't exist? There's no record stores, there's no records. It's not a product anymore. It's a streaming subscription that you can never make the kind of money that was made in the '80s; you can never do that. So, that is also a reflection of what happened with all the guitar players that came up because they saw, 'Oh, this Malmsteen guy, he's doing really well. Let's get a bunch of other guys and try to make money with them too.' Same thing with any band, like BON JOVI or whatever. When they made it big, they made a hundred bands that sounded and looked the same as them. That's just the way it was then. I was there. I didn't read it in a book. I was there. I saw it with my own eyes. I navigated through that whole thing and stayed pretty much on my own course, but that's what happened there."

Yngwie continued: "Today, there's no huge record company offices with local reps in every town. They don't do that anymore, because there's no record chains, there's no system. Of course, there is some — very small — but I'm talking about when it was the thing to do. [Back then English billionaire investor] Richard Branson said, 'I wanna make money. I'll start a record label.' Today you start record label 'cause you love music — maybe — not to make money. So now with YouTube and so on, anybody could make a record, anybody could make a video and so on. So it diluted everything. There's no impact. Nothing has impact."

Malmsteen added: "If you go even back further, 1964, THE BEATLES came to America. They did one TV show and they were the biggest band in the world because there was two TV channels. If they came and they did the same thing today, on YouTube today, nobody would give a shit. That is what's happening then and this is what's happening now. So something needs to be done about that. And I don't know what… I mean there is a revival in vinyl.

"When I was a kid, you went on the tube, you went to the store, you bought a record, you took it home, you opened it up, you played it on the record player, and you listened and you looked at the pictures. It was a big event. Not anymore. It doesn't exist. It's not, like, 'Oh, yeah, I'm making a record.' Yeah, but where's the record chain? Where's the store? There isn't any. That's what's happening."

Yngwie released a new live album, "Tokyo Live", in April via Music Theories Recordings. The concert was recorded at the Zepp DiverCity, Tokyo on May 11, 2024 as part of Yngwie's 40th-anniversary world tour.

Malmsteen's breathtaking technique takes center stage of the 100-minute concert while being cocooned by exquisite musicianship throughout. The setlist tracks Malmsteen's illustrious career, from "Hiroshima Mon Amour" and "Evil Eye" and through his remarkable solo career with "Rising Force", "Far Beyond The Sun", "Arpeggios From Hell" and "Seventh Sign" all the way up to his most recent material taken from 2021's "Parabellum", with "Wolves At The Door", "Relentless Fury", "(Si Vis Pacem) Parabellum", not to mention rousing renditions of "Paganini's 4th" and "Smoke On The Water".

Only four of the songs on "Parabellum" featured vocals. The album title is Latin, translating as "Prepare For War".

After working with some of the top hard singers of the past four decades, Yngwie now handles much of the lead vocals himself in his own band, backed by a lineup that includes keyboardist Nick Marino, bassist Emilio Martinez and drummer Kevin Klingenschmid.

The name of Yngwie Malmsteen has always stood for uncompromising excellence. In a career that now spans more than 40 years he has proven himself to be a unique artist. You can try to categorize him in any way you wish. But the manner in which this supreme Swedish craftsman has continually developed his music makes Malmsteen sublimely transcend any definition you attempt to impose.

He now has a catalogue of 22 solo studio albums, each of which has much to commend. Malmsteen's artistry has always clearly incorporated a healthy virtuosity, but his talent goes well beyond a comprehensive control of the guitar. The man is a fine composer and, on recent releases, has also showcased a strong vocal presence and now, with only this fifth live release, it captures four decades of relentless fury and blissful artistry of one of the true greats.

German/Finnish/French thrash metal veterans KREATOR will release their sixteenth studio album, "Krushers Of The World", on January 16, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records.

KREATOR recorded "Krushers Of The World" at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren. Bogren previously helmed KREATOR's "Phantom Antichrist" (2012) and "Gods Of Violence" (2017) LPs.

Following the recent releases of the KREATOR documentary film "Hate & Hope" as well as "Your Heaven, My Hell", the autobiography of KREATOR frontman Mille Petrozza, "Krushers Of The World" will be the next step in the evolution of KREATOR — a band that is still at its peak more than forty years into its career.

"Krushers Of The World" is not a shy title — it is a statement, an expression of pride and self-awareness knowing how long and hard the band's path has been and knowing what they still have to say and share with their ever-growing following. After the buzz around the movie and book, it is time for KREATOR to let the riffs, the roaring vocals and thunderous drums do the talking.

Alongside the album news, KREATOR revealed plans for a monumental European tour across 20 countries, joining forces with fellow metal powerhouses CARCASS, EXODUS and NAILS.

The tour kicks off on March 20, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal, at MEO Arena and wraps up on April 25, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark, at Poolen. Highlights include shows in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Paris, Milan, Berlin, Stockholm, and more.

A new KREATOR single, "Seven Serpents", will arrive this Friday, September 26, alongside album pre-orders and a tour pre-sale, with general tickets going on sale Monday, September 29 at 10 a.m. local time.

Tour dates:

March 20 - Lisbon, Portugal - MEO Arena
March 22 - Madrid, Spain - Palacio Vistalegre
March 24 - Paris, France - Zenith Paris
March 25 - Brussels, Belgium - Ancienne Belgique
March 27 - London, UK - O2 Academy Brixton
March 28 - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo Manchester
March 29 - Glasgow, UK - O2 Academy Glasgow
March 31 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal
April 01 - Zürich, Switzerland - Halle 622
April 03 - 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands - Mainstage Brabanthallen
April 04 - Essen, Germany - Grugahalle
April 05 - Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle
April 07 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
April 08 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Media Center
April 09 - Vienna, Austria - Gasometer
April 10 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - MHP Arena
April 11 - Munich, Germany - Zenith
April 12 - Karlín, Czechia - Forum Karlín
April 13 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
April 15 - Warsaw, Poland - COS Torwar
April 17 - Hamburg, Germany - Inselparkhalle
April 18 - Berlin, Germany - Uber Eats Music Hall
April 20 - Riga, Latvia - Palladium Riga
April 21 - Helsinki, Finland - Black Box Finland Oy
April 23 - Stockholm, Sweden - Annexet
April 24 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum Scene
April 25 - Copenhagen, Denmark – Poolen

In a recent interview with Greece's Altars Of Metal conducted at last weekend's Chania Rock Festival, KREATOR guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö stated about the band's upcoming LP: " I'm happy to tell you that the entire March, April, May, we were working on the album, intensively, every day. In May, we went to Sweden to record the new album with Jens Bogren in Sweden, in Örebro, and the plan for it is to come out early next year."

Asked how the new KREATOR album will be different from what we have heard from the band before, Sami said: "Well, there is a little different kind of an edge. For example, for a couple of songs we tuned down the guitar. Not every song. And, of course, it affects everything. And just different kind of songs. It's hard for me to describe it because I'm so close to it, so near to it, but I'm really looking forward to hearing the mixes myself. It was a lot of work in the spring time. And I hope people will like it too. Let's see."

KREATOR's upcoming effort will be the follow-up to 2022's "Hate Über Alles", which was recorded at Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin, Germany. Helming the sessions for that LP was Arthur Rizk, who has previously worked with CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, CODE ORANGE, POWER TRIP and SOULFLY, among others.

"Hate Über Alles" marked KREATOR's first album with bassist Frédéric Leclercq, who joined the group in 2019.

In a recent interview with Loaded Radio, Leclercq stated about KREATOR's upcoming music:  "We are putting the final touches to a new album that will be released sometime next year. I spent two months away — I was in Germany [working with the band on the songs] and then in Sweden."

Asked what the new KREATOR material is like, Leclercq said: "It's great. [Laughs] I think everybody agrees to say it's better than 'Hate Über Alles', which was already cool. And that was my first [album] with the band. But I think this one has better songs. I mean, that's how we feel. I'm just saying it's gonna be great."

Regarding what it's like working with Petrozza, Leclercq said: "It's cool. They're all easy to work with. And Mille comes with the majority of the riffs and the vocals. He works differently than me in a sense that for him the lyrics, that's what's important. And from the lyrics will come the riffs and whatnot, and obviously he needs to be able to play the riff while singing. So it's a different way of building songs. So my job there is just to check guitar, melodies and solo parts and whatnot. That's what I do. And it's great, because that was already the case on the first album I did with them, is that I told them, I said… I'm very passionate when it comes to music, and I have a tendency to go, like when I hear something, I'm gonna be, like, 'Yeah, we should try this,' and very — not a dictator in that sense, but very [forcefully] giving orders. And they were, like, 'Oh, no, that's cool.' So they actually really trust me on this. So I pick things that they not always notice, and they give me that sort of freedom to arrange a bit, and that's great."

He continued: "I love the KREATOR guys. The minute I joined them, it felt like I was part of the family forever. That's how we feel. And I'm not [just] saying [that], because it sounds like very cliché, but it's really the truth. I've known Mille for a long time, before I joined DRAGONFORCE, actually. I met him in Germany in 2003, I think. So we've always been bumping into each other since then, at festivals and whatnot. And when I joined the band, there was no audition. There was me and no one else. I'm the first one they asked, and I said yes. And I learned the songs and I went in the rehearsal room and I was a little shy for a few bars. And then I was, like, 'That's cool.' And I saw everybody smiling and I was just, like, 'Yeah, that's it.' And yeah, yeah, it really felt like I was part of the family forever."

The official KREATOR documentary, "Hate & Hope", was shown on July 2 at the 42nd Munich International Film Festival and received a theatrical premiere on September 4. The 110-minute film was directed by Cordula Kablitz-Post.

KREATOR played its first show with Leclercq in October 2019 in Santiago, Chile.

Before joining KREATOR, Leclercq rose to fame with U.K.-based extreme power metallers DRAGONFORCE for whom he handled bass duties from 2005 until August 2019.

As previously reported, Mille's official German-language autobiography, which he wrote with journalist, author and presenter Torsten Groß, "Your Heaven, My Hell - Mein Leben, Heavy Metal Und Wie Das Alles Passieren Konnte", was published on August 28 via Ullstein Verlag.

In a new interview with 95.5 KLOS radio legend Frazer Smith, RATT frontman Stephen Pearcy reflected on the band's early years. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "As soon as discovered [VAN HALEN] in '78, I was in my band MICKEY RATT in San Diego, as Robbin [Crosby, late RATT guitarist] was in his band PHENOMENON, Jake E. Lee [future Ozzy Osbourne guitarist] was in his band TEASER, Warren [DeMartini, RATT guitarist] was in his band ENFORCER. When I went and saw [VAN HALEN] — well, first of all, I became friends with Ed that night, Eddie Van Halen, and we traded gear. We had a lot in common. And I went, 'You know what? January 1st, 1980, I'm fucking moving to L.A.' And I did. I took my band up there. We moved into a garage room kind of thing, and we started from scratch. 'Cause we were happening in San Diego; we were doing the Bing Crosby Hall, Golden Hall, Plaza Hall. And then here we are in L.A. and I'm doing blah blah café, Madame Wong's, playing these places. They paid me to not play. 'Here's your 50 bucks. Don't play. Go home.' And I was agent, manager, booker — I was doing everything. I was a hustler. And it worked.

"I saw [VAN HALEN] at the Whisky [A Go Go]," Pearcy continued. "They had just left Gazzarri's [nightclub on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California], and I went, 'Okay, I get it. You've gotta start here.' I pretty much followed their schematic, is what I did. I listened to Ed. Like I say, we became friends. I'd go to his pad, and he'd tell me this and blah, blah, blah. Anyway, I went, 'Oh, okay, Gazzarri's.' And sure enough, I harassed Bill Gazzarri until he let me in, and he was, like, 'All right, you can play on a Monday night at 12 o'clock, midnight.' And I played every night there until we became the house band. And then it worked. And then we were, like, 'See you later. We've gotta go down to the Whisky now.'"

Asked about his friendship with some of the other bands who were coming up on the Los Angeles scene in the early 1980s, Pearcy said: "People think that all these bands, which they're calling hair metal, we all came out of the same clump of clay, which is not true, because the first batch out of there — VAN HALEN pretty much started it all. But the real guys were, believe it or not, STRYPER was ROXX REGIME, regulars at Gazzarri's with me, and MÖTLEY [CRÜE], W.A.S.P., ARMORED SAINT. There was a real first batch that pretty much spearheaded that '80s thing. So I break it down to 1980 to '85, which we were off and running, and then you get the second batch. And then you've got all these bands from everywhere else who came to L.A., which people thought, 'Oh yeah, they're from Hollywood.' No, they're not — they're from fucking Pittsburgh. But I find it interesting, the whole trip, and I'm glad that we actually were part of that first [wave of bands]."

RATT exploded on to the national scene in 1984 with the release of "Out Of The Cellar". Featuring an undeniable hook and legendary music video, lead single "Round And Round" hit No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Out Of The Cellar" reached No. 7 on the Billboard Top 200 and was certified triple platinum. Two more charting singles followed with "Back For More" and "Wanted Man". RATT started the tour as an opening act, but by the end of the tour had climbed to arena headliner.

RATT returned in 1985 with its second full-length album, "Invasion Of Your Privacy". Certified double platinum and also reaching No. 7 on the Billboard 200, "Invasion Of Your Privacy" also featured the classics "Lay It Down" (No. 40 on Billboard Hot 100) and "You're In Love".

"Dancing Undercover" followed in 1986 as RATT toured North America with a then-brand new Los Angeles band called POISON as the opening act. Lead single "Dance" hit the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned another music video hit with "Slip Of The Lip", while "Body Talk" was featured in a key scene in the Eddie Murphy film "The Golden Child". "Dancing Undercover" became RATT's third consecutive platinum album and reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200.

1988's "Reach For The Sky" saw RATT return to the Top 20 of the Billboard 200 album charts, peaking at No. 17. Driven by the bluesy hit and MTV favorite "Way Cool Jr.", "Reach For The Sky" was also certified platinum and became RATT's fourth album in a row to move well over a million copies. "I Want A Woman" was also a successful single and the video captured the excitement and energy of RATT live.

RATT released its last full-length record of the Atlantic era, "Detonator", in 1990. Music was changing, but "Detonator" was still a success, peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 and going gold. It was the first RATT album to feature major outside songwriting contributions (Desmond Child, Diane Warren) and guests (Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Schenker). Lead single "Lovin' You's A Dirty Job" hit No. 18 on the rock chart while the power ballad "Givin' Yourself Away" reached No. 39.

In 1991, they released the single "Nobody Rides For Free" from the hit film "Point Break", starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze.

In January 2021, Pearcy told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that he was open to the idea of making a new RATT album with all the surviving members of the band's classic lineup.

RATT hasn't released any new music since 2010's "Infestation" LP.

Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the signing of acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Jared James Nichols. Known for his high-voltage blend of soulful vocals, raw energy, and searing guitar work, v has carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting new voices in rock.

Nichols is currently on tour across the US supporting the legendary Michael Schenker Group – and with a run of EU and UK dates approaching fast in November and December. He joins the Frontiers roster, ready to deliver his “Blues Power” to fans worldwide and with his fourth album now in the works.

Jared James Nichols comments: “I am absolutely thrilled to announce my signing to Frontiers. I am ready to break through to the next level with new music and this epic partnership. They have built a crew of seasoned and forward-thinking industry pros that understand rock n’ roll. The sky is the limit with the stellar, passionate, and badass team at Frontiers. TURN IT UP, BLUES POWER!”

Mario de Riso, A&R and Business Affairs VP at Frontiers, added: “I’m delighted to have worked on bringing Jared James Nichols into the label. His vision and talent make this collaboration a perfect fit, and I look forward to what’s ahead.”

Armed with nothing more than his signature Gibson Les Paul, a cranked amp, and a microphone burning hot, Jared James Nichols lives the Blues the way it was meant to be lived – tough by design, raw in delivery, and authentic to the core. The Wisconsin-born, Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist unleashes unapologetic rock ’n’ roll, his voice hitting with grit and soul while his fretwork roars with fire and fury.

Celebrated by American Songwriter, Guitar World, and Relix, Nichols has already tallied millions of streams and built a devoted following online. Gibson Guitars recognized his impact by naming him one of only four Global Brand Ambassadors worldwide – a rare honor that cements his standing as one of today’s most vital guitar slingers.

Now preparing his fourth – and most defining – album, Nichols calls this era “JJN Mach II.” Written and inspired by his post-pandemic touring experiences and new home base in Nashville, the record showcases his growth as a singer and songwriter, while taking his guitar playing to explosive new heights.

Nichols’ journey has not been without hardship: cancelled tours, collapsed labels, breakdowns on the road, even a freak accident that left him with 20 screws in his arm. Yet every challenge has only fueled his drive and deepened the legend of his self-proclaimed “Blues Power.”

With Frontiers Music Srl now by his side, Jared James Nichols is ready to bring his uncompromising rock ’n’ roll to the world. The time has come for his name to be known in every household where true rock is alive.

Find Nichols’ tour itinerary and ticket links here.

In a new interview with Finland's Chaoszine, FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares was asked to name the first band he ever became a fan of. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "AC/DC. [AC/DC guitarist] Angus Young is the reason why I wanted to play guitar. The minute I saw him, I was nine years old, I saw him on TV. It was about 1976, '77, around there, and I saw him and I just instantly knew that's what I wanted to do."

Regarding whether there are other bands he was a fan of when he first started playing guitar, Dino said: "Well, it wasn't necessarily being a fan of the bands. Once I saw Angus Young play, I became a fan of the guitar. So anybody who played guitar, like [VAN HALEN's] Eddie Van Halen, [METALLICA's] James Hetfield, of course [PANTERA's] Dimebag Darrell, and Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King of SLAYER. I became a fan of guitar and I learned a lot of things from those type of guys. Like for instance. James Hetfield did a lot of down picking, so I learned my down picking from him. Then you've got Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King doing like the staccato picking. And, of course, you've got IRON MAIDEN to do the gallop. So I learned picking from all those different guitar players. And so, yeah, I was a fan of the music, but I was also a fan of the style of playing and guitar, the sound, the tone, all that stuff."

Asked if he still takes influence from other musicians or if he is "doing all just" him at this point, Dino responded: "I'm definitely doing just me, because — but in theory, you never stop learning, because you're always gonna learn. But it doesn't necessarily have to be from guitar. It could just be from music in general or just life in general. Life's inspirations sometimes can trigger something for you to write in a certain style or a certain way. And I take all those life experiences like that and I apply it to my music. And that's been from the beginning. Even if you're going through something sad or a heartbreak, you're doing dark chords. Or for some bands, you're summoning the dark Lord and you're gonna be playing that death note. But for me it's, like, all those types of different things I learned from. And I apply it to my music."

Asked what inspires him right now, Dino said:  "What inspires me right now is, well, we have a new vocalist. His name's Milo Silvestro, and he sings amazing. He's an amazing vocalist. He's multi-talented. And right now he kind of inspires me because he brought… We've been writing a new record, so he brought a little bit of a new character. And I was, like, 'Wow, okay, let's go with that.' 'Let's try that.' 'Let's go with this.' And he's brought that kind of inspiration into the band that really helped take it to somewhere new, but without being too far new to where people are not gonna recognize who we are."

He added: "Sometimes, you could play with other musicians and they inspire you. Maybe you're a fan of their bands, but when you get 'em in a room together and you start collaborating together, sometimes that can really spark an idea and that could spark a different flavor that maybe you wanna apply to your music. But I love it all."

Silvestro replaced FEAR FACTORY's original singer Burton C. Bell more than two years ago.

FEAR FACTORY recently completed a European tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the band's classic second album, "Demanufacture".

FEAR FACTORY's current lineup features Cazares, Silvestro, drummer Pete Webber and bassist Tony Campos.

Ricky Bonazza (BUTCHER BABIES) played bass for FEAR FACTORY on the road in Europe while Campos was busy touring with STATIC-X.

Silvestro's addition to FEAR FACTORY was officially announced in February 2023.

FEAR FACTORY played its first headlining concert with Silvestro and Webber on May 5, 2023 at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California.

In a new interview with Chile's PowerOfMetal.cl, DARK TRANQUILLITY and THE HALO EFECT frontman Mikael Stanne spoke about the recent passing of AT THE GATES vocalist Tomas "Tompa" Lindberg. Asked what Lindberg meant to the metal scene in Gothenburg, Sweden, Stanne said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "More than you could explain, actually. I met him when I was 14. I went with a friend to their rehearsal room in the basement of Kristian Wåhlin, [also known as] Necrolord, who's the cover painter for [DARK TRANQUILLITY's] 'The Gallery' [album], for instance. And they were rehearsing with GROTESQUE that later became [AT THE GATES], or before [they formed] AT THE GATES. And it blew me away. I saw a band that played music live in a basement. And I'd never seen that before. And it was crazy, insane black metal stuff. And I was so inspired by it and kind of awestruck by it. And so we started hanging out, and Tomas showed me tons of music that he had found through his fanzine and through his kind of tape-trading and record collecting. And yeah, we became instant friends, and [we'd been friends] since then."

Mikael continued: "More than anything, I think Tompa really inspired the scene, because he was kind of that central figure for everything that kind of went on in Gothenburg at the time. He was so passionate about it, and he was so into it, and he knew every band, and he knew about everything that was going on in the scene. So, if you needed anything, if you had any questions or you wanted to know something, or you wanted to kind of be inspired, you just go to him. And he was always there. So without him, there would be no Gothenburg death metal scene; that's just a fact. [With] his kind of integrity, he took this music very incredibly serious. And when I kind of discovered extreme metal through bands like KREATOR and CANNIBAL CORPSE, whatever it was, I was kind of, like, 'I don't know what this is. I love it, but I don't know if it's serious or not.' But he showed me that, 'No. Come on. This is serious.' There are some bands that take this very seriously, and there are lyrics that matter. It's not just horror movie stuff. And so when I started writing, I wanted it to matter and be serious and with serious issues or problems or what have you. And it's because of how he showed me what music could and should be. So, yeah, without him there would be no [Gothenburg] death metal scene. So we're eternally grateful. And I miss him like crazy."

Referencing the fact that Tomas died after being diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC),a rare, slow-growing but aggressive cancer that typically develops in the salivary glands, particularly the minor salivary glands of the head and neck, Mikael said: "It's been a horrible two years knowing that he was struggling and kind of battling this disease. And everybody thought, of course, 'Yeah, it's gonna be fine. [He's] gonna power through [it].' But a couple months ago we realized that it's worse than we thought. And now this happened. And, yeah, it's devastating."

Lindberg received the diagnosis in December 2023, which led to a major surgery that removed a large portion of the roof of his mouth. He had also undergone radiation treatment and had been on a path to recovery, but then doctors found traces of the cancer in early 2025. In May 2025, an undisclosed "setback" placed Tomas in long-term care.

AT THE GATES released its definitive album, "Slaughter Of The Soul" — often regarded as one of the all-time greatest metal albums — on Earache in 1995, before touring the world and abruptly disbanding. Members of the band went on to play major roles in other notorious metal acts such as THE HAUNTED and CRADLE OF FILTH, before reforming in 2008, with Lindberg juggling his day job as a teacher with being a death metal frontman.

AT THE GATES' latest studio album, "The Nightmare Of Being", came out in 2021.

Lindberg revealed in a statement earlier this year that AT THE GATES recorded a new album before he underwent mouth surgery.

"The last version of the vocals, the ones that will end up on the album, were recorded in ONE day, mostly one takes, the DAY before the surgery, just to make sure we HAD the album, so to speak," the statement said. "So the vocals were actually recorded BEFORE the rest of the album.... a bit different, but it felt good to have it done."

Following a widely celebrated full-scale comeback last year, CREED is in the midst of a major resurgence: selling out over 130 shows and three headline cruises in just two years, and watching their biggest hits return to the charts. Now, as the band looks ahead, they are also taking a moment to reflect on their legacy with "The Best Of Creed", their first comprehensive collection spanning all four of their albums. The set features chart-topping hits like "Higher", "With Arms Wide Open", "One Last Breath" and "My Sacrifice", alongside stadium staples like "My Own Prison", "What If" and "What's This Life For". The album is out now digitally, with vinyl and CD editions arriving November 21 via Craft Recordings, available to pre-order today.

"The Best Of Creed" will also be available on a series of limited-edition color vinyl pressings, including Eruption (Creed.com),Silver Marble (Walmart),Red Smoke (Barnes & Noble),and Sunspot (Craft Recordings). In addition, Walmart will carry an exclusive CD edition, packaged with a commemorative satin tour pass.

Having sold more than 53 million albums worldwide, CREED stands as one of modern rock's most successful acts. Founded in 1994 by the songwriting duo of Scott Stapp (vocals) and Mark Tremonti (guitar),alongside bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips, the Tallahassee band quickly rose to international stardom with soaring hooks, driving guitar riffs, and reflective lyricism.

"The Best Of Creed" charts the band's path through their singles spanning their four studio albums, beginning with their 1997 debut, "My Own Prison". Certified six times platinum, the album introduced CREED with Top Ten Mainstream Rock hits like "What's This Life For", "Torn" and the title track. With more than 15 million copies sold worldwide, "My Own Prison" stands among the most successful debuts to date.

The story continues with 1999's "Human Clay". One of the bestselling albums of all-time in the U.S., the diamond-certified LP catapulted CREED to global superstardom with the Grammy-winning "With Arms Wide Open" (the band's first No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100) and smash hit "Higher", which dominated the U.S. pop chart for an astonishing 57 weeks, peaking at No.7. Having sold over 20 million copies worldwide, the album also includes the fan favorite "What If", memorably featured in the "Scream 3" soundtrack (its music video including cameos from the cast).

2001's "Weathered" pushed the band forward with some of their most personal lyrics and heaviest material, including the Grammy-nominated "My Sacrifice" and the enduring "One Last Breath" — both Top 10 hits on the Hot 100. Other highlights include "Hide" and the blues-laced title track. The album debuted at No.1, where it stayed for eight consecutive weeks, and has since been certified six times platinum.

After a five-year hiatus, the band returned with 2009's "Full Circle". Led by the single "Overcome", CREED's fourth album was one of their most dynamic — blending heavier material (including "A Thousand Faces") with more melodic selections like "Rain". Welcomed by fans, the long-awaited title debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Alternative, Rock and Hard Rock Album charts.

Now, more than three decades after their formation, CREED is enjoying one of the strongest runs of their career. Returning to the stage after a 12-year hiatus in 2024, the band headlined the inaugural "Summer Of '99" cruise and the "Summer Of '99" tour — extended through 2025 due to overwhelming demand. This year, CREED also played an anticipated set at the Stagecoach festival and co-headlined the two-day "Summer Of '99 & Beyond" festival. Looking ahead, the band will lead the third annual "Summer Of '99 And Beyond" cruise in 2026, while fans can catch CREED later this year at Creedmas 2025 — a special five-show run, kicking off December 19 and December 20 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

"The Best Of Creed" track listing (Vinyl)

Side A:

01. Higher (Radio Edit)
02. One Last Breath
03. My Own Prison (Radio Edit)
04. Overcome
05. What If (Radio Edit)

Side B:

01. My Sacrifice
02. With Arms Wide Open (Single Version)
03. Torn (Radio Edit)
04. Rain
05. What's This Life For

"The Best Of Creed" track listing (CD/Digital)

01. Higher (Radio Edit)
02. One Last Breath
03. My Own Prison (Radio Edit)
04. Overcome
05. What If (Radio Edit)
06. My Sacrifice
07. With Arms Wide Open (Single Version)
08. Torn (Radio Edit)
09. Rain
10. What's This Life For
11. Hide *
12. A Thousand Faces *

* On CD/digital configurations only

A Perfect Circle’s Mer de Noms, the landmark debut album from the Maynard James Keenan and Billy Howerdel founded band, is celebrated with two special limited-edition releases: a mesmerizing 2LP zoetrope vinyl edition and an audiophile One-Step pressing as part of the Definitive Sound Series (DSS). Both releases commemorate the album’s 25th anniversary by showcasing its striking visuals and its groundbreaking sound in never-before-heard clarity.

Upon its release in May 2000, Mer de Noms made history as the highest-charting debut album from a rock band ever, entering the Billboard Top 200 at #4. The album quickly established A Perfect Circle as one of the most compelling new bands of the era, propelled by the enduring classics including “Judith,” “3 Libras,” and “Rose.”



The new 2LP zoetrope edition brings the record to life with four distinct animations – one on each side of the vinyl. The visuals include the album’s distinctive glyphs, images from the band’s original photo session featuring the line-up of Keenan, Howerdel, Josh Freese, Paz Lenchantin, and Troy Van Leeuwen, clips from the David Fincher-directed “Judith” video, and a hypnotizing display of the band’s iconic logo.



Mer de Noms also receives a special One-Step pressing as part of the Definitive Sound Series (DSS). Pressed at RTI and mastered by Levi Seltz (Metallica, Green Day) from 96kHz/24bit source files transferred from analog flat masters, this edition faithfully preserves the raw power and nuance of the recordings with exceptional depth and detail. Strictly limited to 3,000 hand-numbered copies, the One-Step process ensures the truest possible representation of Mer de Noms, offering an audiophile-grade experience that captures every subtlety of the platinum album.

In a recent Revolver cover story, Keenan described the recording process as deeply personal: “It seemed really emotional. There were a lot of elements that I responded to – where I could explore shadow aspects of myself.” Howerdel recalled “getting goosebumps” the first time he heard Keenan’s voice on the tracks they’d been working on in their shared North Hollywood rental.

Pre-orders are now available for both Virgin Records/Ume releases: the zoetrope vinyl edition, slated for release on September 25 (pre-order here), and the One-Step DSS audiophile edition, out October 10 (pre-order here).





A Perfect Circle performs at Louder Than Life on September 20 and Aftershock on October 2.

About A Perfect Circle:

Formed in 1999 by Billy Howerdel and Maynard James Keenan, A Perfect Circle has released four albums while holding the distinction of having the highest-charting debut rock album at the time, Mer de Noms (2000). The collection, which boasted ever popular singles “Judith” and “3 Libras,” set a significant milestone for alternative and hard rock. Over their 25-plus-year career, they have released three additional albums: Thirteenth Step (2003), eMOTIVe (2004), and Eat the Elephant (2018), which debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Billboard Rock Albums chart.

A Perfect Circle has headlined festivals worldwide, sold out prestigious venues including the Hollywood Bowl, Madison Square Garden and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and performed on a variety of late night television programs including “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “The Tonight Show.”

Tempo Music has launched a 20th-anniversary limited-edition deluxe 2xLP vinyl for the iconic hard rock band KORN's "See You On The Other Side" album. The package will be released in three different variants, with exclusive offerings from KORN's webstore (blue/red blended),Hot Topic (orange/violet blended),and indie record stores (magenta cloudy),in addition to a standard black vinyl, available across retailers.

"See You On The Other Side" was KORN's seventh studio album, released in December 2005, and features the fan-favorite renowned hits "Twisted Transistor" and "Coming Undone". The album was certified RIAA platinum in 2006.

The official vinyl release commemorates the album's 20th anniversary by featuring the bonus track "Last Legal Drug".

"Last Legal Drug" will be released on all DSPs as part of a digital deluxe album on November 21, ahead of the official 20th anniversary on December 6. The song was previously only available on the deluxe CD. Pre-save it here.

Tempo acquired a majority stake in the master recordings and compositions of albums "Untitled" and "See You On The Other Side" in 2021. In 2023, Tempo released a limited-edition vinyl package to celebrate the 15th anniversary of "Untitled", with a glow-in-the-dark jacket and a special edition variant.

The company states: "Tempo takes great responsibility and honor in partnering with artists to provide fans engaging ways to consume these iconic catalogs. We're excited to celebrate this milestone with KORN by officially bringing this seminal album to vinyl and 'Last Legal Drug' to streaming platforms so fans old and new can enjoy the band's incredible work."

KORN changed the rock world with the release of its self-titled debut album. It was a record that would pioneer a genre, while the band's enduring success points to a larger cultural movement. Since forming, KORN has sold more than 43 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammys, toured the world countless times, and set many records in the process that will likely never be surpassed. KORN has continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans and generations of artists around the globe.

Napalm Records is pleased to announce the signing of emerging Brazilian metalcore/deathcore talent, AXTY, to a worldwide record deal. Formed in 2020 amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, AXTY quickly established itself as the most promising name in the Brazilian modern metal scene.

With more than seven million streams on Spotify, the band has drawn attention not only in Brazil but also across the globe, thanks to its visceral blend of heaviness, powerful screams, and soaring clean vocals that create an emotionally charged and intense experience. Entirely self-produced, AXTY stands out for its ability to merge a modern, heavy sound with cutting-edge audiovisual production, all handled by the musicians themselves.

Napalm Records is thrilled to partner with AXTY as they finalize their upcoming fourth studio album, which features the band’s brand new single, “selfish”, out today. “selfish” – which aggressively grooves amid cutting electronics and a spine-ripping vocal attack – is just a taste of what AXTY is promising as their most ambitious work to date, further strengthening their position as one of the leading names of the new generation in modern metal.

AXTY says about the new single: “Our music is as true as we are. Raw, authentic, and filled with emotions we all had to deal with. ‘selfish’ was written in a moment of anger after the end of a toxic relationship that had lasted way too long, and it took a toll on my mental health. I’m through this now, but we often lack the courage to say ‘enough’ when we’re going through this. We hope this song will serve as a milestone in our listeners’ lives. Giving them the strength to get out of this draining, frustrating, and cruel situation.”

Watch the “selfish” video:



AXTY says about signing to Napalm Records: “We’re beyond excited to announce our signing with Napalm Records, one of the world’s leading independent metal labels, responsible for shaping the path of some of the biggest and most groundbreaking bands in the scene. This is truly a dream come true for us. This partnership marks a huge step in our career, and we can’t wait to share with you everything that’s coming next.

“Signing with Napalm was without a doubt the right decision, as it’s a label that truly understands our vision. It gives us the confidence that we’ll have the support to spread our art to the world, with total artistic freedom and, at the same time, the professional backing of such an incredible team. Being welcomed into this family means the world to us, and we’re extremely excited for what’s ahead. We also want to thank the entire Napalm team for the amazing reception and openness they’ve shown us since day one.

“We believe this achievement goes beyond just us, it’s also about showing the world that Brazil has an incredible scene filled with talented and powerful bands that deserve recognition. We’re proud to carry this flag and represent not only AXTY, but also the strength and creativity of Brazilian metalcore on the global stage.”

Napalm Records Junior A&R Manager Christian Hollik adds: “When I first listened to AXTY, I was completely stunned by their heaviness. The heavy metalcore riffs, the deathcore parts, and those catchy choruses combined with the very unique voice Felipe brings to it. I’m happy to have them on board at Napalm Records. This band will make its way to success, and I’m looking forward to the fact that we’re on this journey together.”

After sharing festival stages with genre heavyweights like Falling in Reverse, Killswitch Engage and Fit For A King, and making their US debut just last year, AXTY is set to return to the States this fall. The band will join Born Of Osiris as support on their upcoming tour, kicking off September 25. They will perform alongside fellow support acts The Browning, VCTMS, and Lost in Separation. Check out the full list of tour dates below.

US dates with Born Of Osiris, The Browning, VCTMS, Lost In Separation (some openers appear only on select dates, check band postings for exact support):

September
25 – Madison, WI – The Annex
26 – Minneapolis, MN – Cabooze
27 – Lincoln, NE – The Royal Grove
28 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
30 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater

October
1 – Mesa, AZ – The Nile Theater
2 – Bakersfield, CA – Temblor Brewing Co.
3 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater
4 – Las Vegas, NV – 24 Oxford (No Born of Osiris)
7 – Portland, OR – The Nova PDX
8 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
11 – Spokane, WA – The Big Dipper (No Born of Osiris)
14 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub
15 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall
16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell
17 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
18 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep
20 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard
21 – St. Louis, MO – Red Flag
22 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s Entertainment Center
24 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room
25 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
26 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27
27 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
29 – Asbury Park, NJ – House of Independents
30 – Reading, PA – Reverb
31 – Albany, NY – Empire Live

November
1 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
2 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
4 – Buffalo, NY – Rec Room
5 – New Kensington, PA – Preserving
6 – Cleveland, OH – The Asylum – Temple Live
7 – Pontiac, MI – The Crofoot
8 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs
9 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge

AXTY is:

Felipe Hervoso (vocals, video production)
Jonathas Peschiera (guitars, mix/master)
Gabriel Vacari (drums)