The Jamie Frolick YouTube channel has uploaded video of FEAR FACTORY's April 2 concert at EPIC Event Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It marked FEAR FACTORY's 29th show with new singer Milo Silvestro and touring drummer Pete Webber as part of the "Rise Of The Machine" tour as the support act for STATIC-X.

The Italian-born Silvestro recently joined FEAR FACTORY as the replacement for the band's original singer Burton C. Bell.

Webber is filling in for FEAR FACTORY's longtime drummer Mike Heller who is unable to make the trek due to "scheduling conflicts."

FEAR FACTORY's setlist for the Green Bay concert was as follows:

01. Shock
02. Edgecrusher
03. Disruptor
04. Dielectric
05. Powershifter
06. What Will Become?
07. Archetype
08. Demanufacture
09. Zero Signal
10. Replica

The 42-date North American trek also features DOPE as well as select dates with MUSHROOMHEAD and TWIZTID.

In a recent interview with Revolver, conducted prior to the start of the tour, Silvestro was asked if he was feeling nervous about taking the stage as the singer of FEAR FACTORY. He responded: "Yes, a little bit, but I always thought that being nervous is part of the game. My dad always told me, the moment that you're not scared of going onstage, you better quit music. I think it's supposed to be a really emotional thing, an emotional [moment in] your life. Also, the fact that it's my very first tour experience, my very first FEAR FACTORY experience, my first huge [musical] experience in general, of course that makes me a little bit nervous. But the good thing is that Dino [Cazares, FEAR FACTORY guitarist] and also the fans, fortunately enough, are making me really comfortable. I want to say thanks to them because they've been amazing. You're always scared about the hating, the negative comments and stuff, which I started seeing because my name had been leaking even before [I got the job] because of the [vocal] covers [I put on YouTube]. People were like, 'Oh, this guy is really good, so maybe it could be him.' Some haters started popping up: 'Oh, he's fucking garbage.' At first I was a little bit scared — and of course Dino had been preparing me for a long time. 'Be prepared. Either in a good or bad way, it's going to be a shitstorm.' But fortunately enough, [when] the announcement came out, [the reaction] was 99.9 percent positive. The negative comments were mostly about [how] this band without [the] previous singer is not FEAR FACTORY anymore. They just need to change the name, blah, blah, blah. Maybe one or two guys were like, 'I don't like him. He sucks.' But nothing that big to fuck with my brain or make me insecure. I was really happy to see literally thousands of people — either friends of mine, people that I know from Italy and totally unknown FEAR FACTORY fans — going, 'Welcome to the family, dude.' It was a really amazing love showering. I'm so thankful and so humbled for that."

Asked how he planned to win those skeptical fans over, Milo said: "I get that certain people are skeptical, because as a fan of music, as a metalhead and a fan of music in general, I know that metal fans are so dedicated, so crazy about their music, which is a good thing. It's almost like a religion. When your favorite band changes singers or a guitar player or whatever, you can feel a little bit sad about it. It can be hard to move on. I had favorite bands of mine that changed either singers or drummers. Maybe I was so affectionate to the style of that musician, and then I had a hard time moving on. But then once I found myself in this position of being the actual guy that is replacing the previous one, now I realize even more that, yeah, sometimes it can be tough for a fan. But it's just something that you either get over, or you don't care about the band anymore.

"What I want to say to [the doubters] is, I know you're skeptical, and it's totally understandable because the FEAR FACTORY vocal legacy is so iconic. The vocals were so identifiable and iconic and it's like replacing James Hetfield in METALLICA. What I want to say is that it's okay to be skeptical, but we are making sure that we're going to do this right. ... I've been working hard these past three years on the vocal style to make sure even the small nuances [are accounted for], how [Bell] pronounced certain things, how he goes from that note to that other note, how he pronounced certain screamed words. Also, from a vocal effects standpoint, we're making sure that everything sounds exactly like the record. I brought a bunch of effects, which I'm a bit of a freak about because I also run a studio. I like to tweak some shit, so I brought them a bunch of shit. Dino, at first, was like, 'What the fuck is this?,' but then he was like, 'Okay.' I was like, 'What if we recreate some of the vocal effects on the record, the beautiful delays which are parts of the vocal legacy?' Songs like 'Self Bias Resistor', the beautiful chorus has got a lot of deeper delay. That's part of the vocal sound. That's also what makes FEAR FACTORY's trademark sound."

Earlier in the month, Cazares told "The Jasta Show" about the band's vocalist search: "A lot of females stepped up. And there was definitely some females in the top five that I almost chose. But it did take a long process for me to find somebody. I was touring with SOULFLY [as a session guitarist] around late 2021 up till recently. And in that process I was looking for singers, and I was very meticulous, because I know how important it is for FEAR FACTORY fans that I pick the right guy. And I believe, and I know that I got the right dude. So I'm very happy [about] that."

Cazares went on to say that he "definitely" considered "guys [who] were in other bands" but that he thought "there would be a lot of scheduling conflicts, if the guy is in another band, and then we wouldn't be able to tour as much. What it somebody wanted us to do something like the Milwaukee Metal Fest, I wouldn't be able to do it because the singer has another gig somewhere else," Cazares explained. "So I wanted a guy who was fresh off the boat, new-school guy. I like discovering new talent. There's a lot of talented people out there, and they just never get the shot. So I wanted to give kind of an unknown guy a shot, or an unknown person a shot."

Dino previously told RichardMetalFan that he wasn't "afraid" of replacing someone like Bell. "I've been there before," he said. "I'm ready to move on forward. I look forward to it. I think it's gonna be fucking ripping. It's gonna be killer. I'm gonna put out some more heavy shit. So I don't think anybody needs to worry. The vocalist I got is amazing. He's younger; he's in his mid-30s. He's at his vocal peak, I think. He's there and ready to go."

In September 2020, Bell issued a statement officially announcing his departure from FEAR FACTORY, saying that he "cannot align" himself with someone whom he does not trust or respect.

FEAR FACTORY's latest album, "Aggression Continuum", was released in June 2021 via Nuclear Blast Records. The LP, which was recorded primarily in 2017, features Cazares and Bell alongside Heller.

In a new interview with Australia's Silver Tiger Media, ex-ACCEPT singer Udo Dirkschneider spoke about what it has been like to work again with his former ACCEPT bandmate Peter Baltes on U.D.O.'s recent tours. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, [Peter] was helping us out on [U.D.O.'s] European tour and South America. Our [previous] bass player Tilen [Hudrap], he had a serious health problem. He was collapsing in Munich at a show [last September]. And then for us, it was, like, 'What can we do? Stop the tour or try to get a [new] bass player?' I was already in contact with Peter. I did together with him a classic album with the German armed forces, and we did [the] DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG [project], so I was in contact with Peter. Then I called him and said, 'Peter, I have a problem — a serious problem. I need a bass player. And maybe can you help us out?' And then he said, 'Yeah, okay. Give me one day.' And then he said, 'Yeah, I'll do this.' And it was a lot of work for him to do all these U.D.O. songs. And then he said, 'Yeah, I'll help you out, as long as you're looking for a new bass player.' But we will see. I get the feeling that he wants to join the band. And he had so much fun. He said, 'Wow. This is great. I have so much fun with this band. It's really nice.' We will see."

Udo went on to say that he is "happy" to be playing with Peter again.

"Peter is a great bass player — for me, one of the best in heavy metal," Dirkschneider said. "He's a legend. And of course, I worked with him for a very long time together. He's a good singer, he's a good songwriter. Maybe we will see what the future will bring. So, you never know."

Udo also touched upon the fact that the current lineup of ACCEPT only features guitarist Wolf Hoffmann from the band's original incarnation.

"I don't wanna say anything wrong, but I think now we [in U.D.O.] are more ACCEPT than ACCEPT is at the moment," he said. "There's only one [original ACCEPT member] left [in ACCEPT]; that's Wolf Hoffmann. So, [it's] interesting — yeah, very interesting."

Three years ago, Baltes and former ACCEPT drummer Stefan Kaufmann were part of the songwriting team for U.D.O.'s album called "We Are One", a collaboration with Das Musikkorps der Bundeswehr, the military band of the German federal armed forces.

Earlier this month, Baltes said that he was "extremely unhappy" toward the end of his four-decade tenure with ACCEPT. The 64-year-old German-born musician discussed his decision to leave ACCEPT in an interview with Scott Itter of Dr. Music. He said: "The statement that came from the band literally five minutes after I announced that I'm leaving [back in November 2018], that I wanna spend more time with my family, well, that wasn't true. No, no. I was extremely unhappy. And I found out a few things. I'd been in the band forever, and I found out in the end, in this incarnation of ACCEPT, I wasn't even really a member; I was a hired gun. And it's these things that come out where you don't have any input, insight, and you start getting bitter. And there's no reason to, but somebody else's ego is just so big or whatever — two of 'em — that it just takes them there, and they just need to control everything and have everything and you name it. That's what got [original ACCEPT singer] Udo out back then, and I think in the end it hit everybody. So I was the last one standing, but I couldn't stand it anymore. I needed happiness in my life, and there was no happiness there. It was just a dead horse. So I left after the tour. And in my case, it was the best I ever could have done."

Baltes also talked about what it was like to play bass for U.D.O. on the group's fall 2022 European tour.

"In retrospect, when I stepped on stage in Berlin [in September 2022] with Udo after so many years — the last time was 2005, I think — it was a moment that I can't even describe it," Peter said. "We went on stage first, and then Udo comes, and he starts singing. And the first note brought me back instantly to our days when we played little clubs. The man is such a legend, and his voice… And it's nothing to do with you're short, you're tall, you're fat, you're skinny, none of that — you're in shape or you're not — none of that matters to me, to him and the audience. [What is important is] when something is authentic. And that's what got me at that moment. I was, like, 'Man, this is the real deal.' I wasn't used to that; I wasn't. I totally forgot. And you can into this where you think, 'We've been doing this all our life.' No, we didn't. We played kind of like it, with people that kind of sound like it. But no. He's the real deal, and the power that comes out of his voice is second to none. Sheer power, meaning volume, power. Bruce Dickinson [IRON MAIDEN] has power. When he sings, you can see it — he has power. Some singers, they have power. And Ronnie [James Dio] had power. Udo has power. That's certain power that just captivates you in your ears, in your stomach, and you go with it."

Baltes was replaced in ACCEPT by Martin Motnik.

Two years ago, ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann was asked by SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" if he had had a chance to talk to Peter since his departure from ACCEPT and if he had gotten clarification on why Baltes left the group. Wolf said: "No, man. That's kind of the sad part about it. He kind of made that decision alone, and we never really had a sitdown and a man-to-man talk that I was hoping we'd have. He just announced it to the world, and that was it, and at that point, it was almost too late. I have to respect his decision.

"I miss him very much, and I think he's always gonna be my buddy or whatever," Wolf continued. "But right now, we don't really have much in common. Because when somebody leaves the band, it's usually that we never really see them much again, as sad as it is. I wish we would, and maybe one day we will. But right now, we don't, really. But we didn't have any fights or anything. I can only speculate why he left the band, but I'd rather not."

Hoffmann was also asked if he was surprised to see Baltes working with Udo on some new music in 2020. He responded: "Yeah, I probably shouldn't say much about that. Again, I can only speculate what that was all about. At the end of the day, we do our thing, and everybody has to know for themselves what they wanna do. Yeah, let me not say as much about that as I can, please."

In January 2021, Hoffmann told Australia's Metal Mal that he was "a little bit heartbroken" when Baltes left ACCEPT. "I felt it was not only a sad day for ACCEPT, it was also a sad day for rock and roll, or heavy metal, in general, because I thought we were gonna be doing this until the sun goes down — I don't know; until forever," he said. "But he all of a sudden decided otherwise, and he made that decision, and that was it. And that's sad, but what can you do, man? I decided, along with everybody else, the show must go on, and we continue without him. So this is what we did. And here's the new album — without Peter. But it's still sad. I still miss him sometimes. It's just the way it is."

In November 2019, Hoffmann told Powermetal.cl that he no longer kept in touch with Baltes after the bassist exited the group a year earlier. "Unfortunately, when somebody leaves the band, they're always kind of out of sight, out of mind," Wolf explained. "It's very sad. I wish it wasn't that way, because we've been friends for so long. But the reality is I haven't really heard from him — even though I reached out a couple of times. He's almost like he wants to disappear or he wants to leave the music business altogether. It's sad and I still don't quite understand what really happened. But it is what it is, and we move on."

Back in 2015, Hoffmann dismissed Dirkschneider's comment that the band's then-lineup — which included Baltes and ACCEPT's singer of more than a decade, Mark Tornillo — performed live "without any emotion." "It's just hilarious at this point," Wolf said. "It's just a big joke in our lives. And we just go on about our lives, and we do our thing, and we just… We let these things go by and laugh about it. He's actually sort of our press agent, in a way. He keeps us [in the news]."

An 18-year-old man who was injured when the roof collapsed at a theater hosting a MORBID ANGEL concert in Belvidere, Illinois last Friday night (March 31) spoke to CBS 2's Shardaa Gray about his experience.

"I heard a big crack, and then I started running – and then that's when the whole roof came down on me and other people," Daniel Barac said from his hospital bed in Madison, Wisconsin.

Barac, who suffered a fracture in his vertebrae, and several broken bones in his foot, then found himself trapped.

"It kind of hurt, but then once I was stuck under there, then it really hurt — because I was just trapped underneath all this heavy debris in rubble and old bricks, and the old roof," he said. "I could still see through like a little space in the debris, and I could still stick my hand out. But I couldn't move either."

Barac went on to say that other concertgoers helped to free him from the rubble.

Although the concert was reportedly sold out, the Belvidere Police Department said only 260 people were at the Apollo Theater on March 31 when the collapse occurred as a heavy storm rolled through the area. The capacity of the theater is around 1,500.

In total, 28 people were taken to local hospitals by paramedics and another 48 people sought treatment on their own.

This past Monday, another one of the survivors, Dylan Crone told ABC 7 Chicago from his hospital bed: "I don't even know how I made it out. As soon as I felt pain and started yelling for help, I said there was still a chance that I can make it through this. I was in front left center of the stage, so right where the main part of the building fell, I was right there. It just immediately crashed on me, and I was out like light."

Paul Rojas, who was standing near Fred Livingston, Jr., the only fatality from the disaster, and Fred's son, recalled: "I feel the whole, heavy things in my body, my legs, my head. When you realize days after, and see that, man, he was next to me."

Victoria Bella, who was also in the front row, said: "I remember going to turn to run away and something hit me in the head, and the next thing I knew I was unconscious. And, the last thing I remember was a paramedic scooping me up and taking me to an ambulance."

Some of the concertgoers at the Apollo Theater have returned to the venue for the first time since the roof collapsed, trying to identify the belongings they left behind in the rubble.

"You could hear screaming, I didn't know if the world was ending, or it was a tornado," Violet Munoz, who attended the show on Friday, told WTVO. "The next second, I was buried alive. I was pulled from the rubble by my boyfriend, Eric Biel. He's a hero. And everyone in there."

Officials were notified by the National Weather Service of a tornado warning at 7:45 p.m. CT. The roof collapsed ten minutes later, according to Belvidere Fire Department chief Shawn Schadle.

Livingston's sister Deanna Hicks told ABC7 Chicago he was attending the concert at the theatre with his son Alex, who Hicks said is "OK."

Belvidere police chief Shane Woody described the scene when police arrived as "chaos. Absolute chaos. When officers are first on the scene, when the fire department and first responders get here, they do the best they can to control the chaos as much as possible," he said. "But ultimately, we go in, and ultimately try and find people, and save as many people as we possibly can — and bring them to safety as best as we can."

One person who was inside the theater when the collapse happened told Rockford Scanner: "It was in between sets. The first band had just played. People were going outside to smoke. And then all the people came running back in, 'cause the rain started coming down real heavy. Then all of a sudden the door that they came out of was swinging back and forth, slamming super hard. All the power went out in the building and the entire ceiling collapsed on everybody in the front area — right at the stage, on the stage, the people behind the stage; that sector of the building. When it came down, it blew me out towards the exit door. I crawled out a hole through the door and I escaped without a scratch; I don't know how I did. But there's definitely casualties and 50 wounded — severely. It's horrible."

"Initially, I was confused because it felt like an earthquake, and I was thinking, 'Why would there be an earthquake right now?'" an audience member at the concert who narrowly escaped injury told The New York Times. "As soon as that happened. I watched as the entire roof collapsed on everybody, basically right where we were standing."

The concert was part of MORBID ANGEL's 2023 U.S. tour, featuring support acts CRYPTA, SKELETAL REMAINS and REVOCATION.

According to the venue's official Facebook page, doors were scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m., with CRYPTA set to perform at 7 p.m., SKELETAL REMAINS at 7:45 p.m., REVOCATION at 8:40 p.m. and MORBID ANGEL at 9:40 p.m.

The collapse was reported as severe storms with 90 mph winds blew through the area.

According to local reports, at least 20 ambulances were dispatched to the theater, which is located roughly 14 miles outside of the city of Rockford.

Photos and video taken at the venue showed that the theater's marquee and façade had crashed on to the street, with debris littering the area as first responders worked to help the injured.

Belvidere is located in Boone County, about 72 miles from Chicago.

The Apollo Theatre opened in 1921 as a stage play, movie, and vaudeville venue.

In a new interview with Justin Hunt of The Entertainment Outlet, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman was asked if he is working on a new album of all-original material. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I've been working on it for the last year and a half. And I actually recorded about half of it last summer. I went over to Italy and I recorded about half of an album. And I'm really, really excited about it. And I've been working on demos for the remaining half of the album."

Regarding what fans can expect from his upcoming LP, Marty said: "I think it's gonna please a lot of people who liked my [1992] album 'Scenes', one of my earlier albums. It's kind of in that vein, but much more modern. And it's got all the things that I've added to my musical — I don't know how to say it — palette, or what I'm trying to do musically. It's basically a grown-up version of 'Scenes', really, so far. But I haven't finished it. And I will probably say next summer [it will be ready for release]. It's taking a long time, but, you know, tender love and care. And it's coming along great."

Friedman went on to say that his current U.S. tour as the support act for QUEENSRŸCHE is a "perfect" way to inspire him to complete his new album. He explained: "This tour I'm playing really my most aggressive music with my most aggressive band. And that is perfect for my mentality for writing stuff like 'Scenes'. That's how 'Scenes' happened in the first place, because I was touring with MEGADETH like a maniac, and I was playing all this really, really heavy stuff every single night, and now I'm doing the exact same thing with my band. And so what I write is the complete opposite. So it's kind of like a really good creative time. And things are moving along really nice."

Marty's tour with QUEENSRŸCHE will run through April 16, when it wraps up in St. Petersburg, Florida. Along the way, the trek will make stops in New York City (April 10) and Nashville, Tennessee (April 14),to name a few.

Marty's latest album, "Tokyo Jukebox 3", came out in April 2021 via The Players Club/Mascot Label Group. The record, which was made available in Japan in October 2020, is the third in a series that began with "Tokyo Jukebox" in 2009, and then "Tokyo Jukebox 2" following in 2011. The trilogy presents Friedman's inspired performances to Japanese repertoire he's chosen to cover.

Marty's presence in the world of music, the world of guitar and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. His first major impact in music was in the game-changing guitar duo CACOPHONY, which he founded with equally enigmatic and now-legendary guitarist Jason Becker. He then spent 10 years as lead guitarist in the genre-defining thrash metal act MEGADETH before moving to Tokyo due to his love for Japanese music, language, and culture.

Following his move, he landed a starring role for a new TV comedy "Hebimeta-san" ("Mr. Heavy Metal") and its spinoff, "Rock Fujiyama", which ran for six seasons and propelled him into the living rooms of Japan's mainstream. He has since appeared in over 800 TV shows, movies and commercials, including a two-year campaign with Coca-Cola for Fanta, authored two best-selling novels and was the first-ever foreigner to be appointed as an ambassador of Japan heritage and perform at the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Marathon in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.

At the same time, Marty has continued his career in music with several solo albums in addition to writing and performing with the top artists in Japanese music, racking up countless chart hits, including a No. 1 with SMAP, two No. 2 songs with MOMOIRO CLOVER, a No. 2 with SOUND HORIZON — just to name a few.

On April 21, Finnish post-punk outfit, Grave Pleasures, will release their third full-length, Plagueboys, via Century Media Records. For a preview of Plagueboys, the video for the new single, "High On Annihilation" (directed by David Fitt) can be viewed below.





Formed in 2015, after the dissolution of singer Mat McNerney and bassist Valtteri Arino's short-lived sensation Beastmilk, Grave Pleasures have defiantly expanded on what has been described as their "war-cry for the eternally doomed," with each album seeing their song-craft reach new heights. Their raw atomic punk of their major label debut album Dreamcrash (2015) was revamped and contorted into the uplifting nihilism of distinctly more frenetic sophomore smash-hit album Motherblood (2017), ultimately amped up and finessed into the heady Plagueboys (2023), their most mature yet dangerous album to-date. With the electrifying contradiction of light and darkness, the duality of the funereal Grave and euphoric Pleasure in their moniker, Plagueboys is an exhilarating, tear-filled, grinning dance of death, undoubtedly their most pleasurable yet.




With music written by McNerney (Hexvessel, Carpenter Brut, Me & That Man) and guitarists Juho Vanhanen (Oranssi Pazuzu) and Aleksi Kiiskilä, and then arranged together with Arino and drummer Rainer Tuomikanto, Plagueboys sees the lineup, who frantically hacked out Motherblood together, come of age and find their superpowers. Recorded in Finland and produced by Vanhanen and his Oranssi Pazuzu comrade Niko Lehdontie at the controls, the sound on Plagueboys is a blistering wash of reverb and neon warehouse dancefloor; unabashed lone drum and bass carrion call give way to synth and guitar interplay that brings to mind British grandmasters Wire, The Sound and Echo & The Bunnymen through a contemporary lens.


Album formats:


- CD Digipak
- Black LP (incl. LP-sized booklet & poster)     
- Transparent blue LP available from CM Distro Wholesale EU and CMdistro.de (limited to 300 copies; incl. LP-sized booklet & poster)
- Yellow LP available from UK outlets, Levykauppa Äx, Nuclear Blast (limited to 300 copies; incl. LP-sized booklet & poster)
- Lilac LP available from Grave Pleasures via Evil Greed (limited to 300 copies; incl. LP-sized booklet & poster)
- Digital album


Pre-order here


Album artwork by Tekla Vály:





Tracklisting:


“Disintegration Girl”
“Heart Like A Slaughterhouse”
“When The Shooting’s Done”
“High On Annihilation”
“Lead Balloons”
“Imminent Collapse”
“Society Of Spectres”
“Conspiracy Of Love”
“Plagueboys”
“Tears On The Camera Lens”


“Heart Like A Slaughterhouse”:





“Society Of Spectres”:





On April 28, Grave Pleasures will host a special album release show for Plagueboys in Helsinki, FI.

Frontiers Music Srl announces the upcoming release of Swedish hard rock/traditional metal worshippers Vypera's second album, Race Of Time. The first single from the album, "Hey You", is out today. Watch a video for the track below.


Vypera, consisting of lead singer Andreas Wallström, guitarists Christoffer Thelin and Cederick Forsberg, bassist Andreas Andersson, and drummer Johan Pettersson, are hard rockers to the core. Emerging from the fruitful Swedish rock and metal scene, they are yet another high quality musical offering from, arguably, the new center of the rock n' roll universe. Their debut album, 2022's Eat Your Heart Out, was a headbanging, fist-raising salute to the great '80s metal/hard rock scene whose musical altar the band worships at.


Vypera, originally known as Madhouse, formed in Sandviken, Sweden in 2016 and soon set out on crafting original material to reflect the rock 'n roll and metal spirit that burned within the band. They began writing music that they felt traveled on the same good ol' road where their influences like Rainbow, Icon, King Kobra, London, Triumph, W.A.S.P., and the like had originally started. Their musical signature is that aforementioned classic hard rock/metal style played with immense pride... and joy.




Pre-order/save Race Of Time here.





Tracklisting:


"Hey You"
"Riding On The Wind"
"Mary Jane"
"Stormwind"
"Vicious"
"No Place For A Dreamer"
"Trying Hard To Run Away"
"Fool's Game"
"Speedin'"
"Daytona"
"Slave To Love"


"Hey You" video:





Lineup:


Andreas Wallström - Vocals
Christoffer Thelin - Guitars
Cederick Forsberg - Lead Guitars
Andreas Andersson - Bass
Johan Pettersson - Drums

Originally formed in 1984, old school Florida death metal legends, Hellwitch, are back with their unique brand of highly energetic, incisive, thrashing death metal. The band has always sounded insanely catchy, always balancing technicality to a great measure, Hellwitch have drafted some genuine classic songs over the years and their new album is a culmination of all such works and experience.


Hellwitch’s new album, Annihilational Intercention, will be released digitally on June 2, and physically on June 30. The band will also release a video for the song "Delegated Disruption" on April 19. You can pre-order the digital single here.


Band leader Pat Ranieri comments about the artwork for Annihilational Intercention: "The cover of Annihilational Intercention is what is coming in the future of mankind on this wretched planet. The Judge is in the final stages of administering punishment to our race, eradicating every last being. Having biologically and supernaturally evolved to possess otherworldly powers, his psychic assault is manifested in spears of burning energy and levitational force. His apocalyptic "Horsemen" look on with hatred, aiding the cause. The poisoned, decimated world that surrounds tells the tale of man left to his own devices."




Artwork by Khaos Dictator Design.





Annihilational Intercention tracklisting:


"Sollipsistic Immortality"
"Delegated Disruption"
"Megalopalypytic Confine"
"Sorcerous Imminence" (instrumental)
"Hellwitch"
"Epochal Cessation"
"Anthropophagi"
"At Rest"
"Torture Chamber"
"Sweet Home Alabama" (Lynyrd Skynyrd cover, vinyl only bonus track)





Hellwitch tour dates:


June
5 - Milestone Club - Charlotte, NC
6 - Powers BMX Shop - Richmond, VA
7 - The Kennel at West York Inn - York, PA
8 - The Fire - Philadelphia, PA
9 - Pie Shop - Washington, DC
10 - Lurking Class Skate Shop - Salisbury, MD
11 - Saint Vitus Bar - Brooklyn, NY


November
3-5 - Mass Destruction Fest at The Loft - Atlanta, GA


More dates to be added soon.


Hellwitch lineup:


Pat Ranieri - Guitars, Vocals
J.P. Brown - Guitars
Brian Wilson - Drums


(Photo - Roberto Badillo)

In a recent interview with Robert Cavuoto of Metal Rules, Mikkey Dee was asked how he landed the job as the drummer for SCORPIONS in 2016 after spending almost 25 years as a member of MOTÖRHEAD. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "They [initially] called me in to be the stand-in for maybe [their then-drummer] James [Kottak]. Because they started to get tired of his problems. So they said, 'Look, if you could be a stand-in on parts of the European tour.' I said, 'Yeah. No problem.' But meanwhile, while I was secretly following the band around in Germany, we were rehearsing a couple of times — secretly. And I'm sure that they wanted to check me out there, of course. And you never know how things are gonna go with the social part or the musical part, but they loved it immediately. And my idea was to show them what they cannot be without, basically.

"James is a great drummer," Mikkey continued. "He did fantastic with SCORPIONS. He ran into some health problems that he had to deal with. I was never, and I will never, talk him down in any way, shape or form, but I would like to do, what I wanted to do at that point was to show what I can do and what you cannot be without. I said to the guys that I'm gonna Motörize them. 'I want it harder, tighter and heavier, and I'm gonna show you what kind of drummer I am. I'm gonna put much more energy into what we do, and hopefully that will contaminate the whole band and we can take it to another level. And I can inspire enough to you guys, and you will inspire me as well, of course.' Because playing pretty much the same stuff for 25 years is one thing. So this was a big challenge for me, of course, as well… And when that works out the way it did, it's a good thing. They have no attitude. I have no attitude. We knew each other before. We get along great. And now we're just gonna play great together. But of course, you never, ever, ever know. I might be an idiot getting out there with the SCORPIONS, being a complete prick about stuff. And they go, 'Holy shit. We don't remember you like this.' I might think that, 'Holy smoke. These guys are fucking morons. I can't deal with this.' But that was not the case. And of course, we got along great, and we still do. And we're having a blast on the road and in the studio. So, it turned out to be a win-win situation."

The 59-year-old Swedish musician also elaborated on his comment that "secretly followed" the SCORPIONS around in Germany while Kottak was still playing with the band.

"I saw every single show because I had to sit and learn the set," Dee explained. "And I was sitting secretly up on the arena. Usually, they have it blocked off. If you draw a line on the short side of an arena, the stage and then backwards, it's never open for the public. I had to sit very, very far away up there with in-ears, so I could hear what was going on. And [James] knew that there was a drummer [acting as a possible stand-in], [but he did] not [know] who it was. And he played great. I mean, he shaped up and played fine. And then I went back [home] to Sweden. And then I got a call just right after the European tour, and they said, 'Look, can you finish out the year?' And I said, 'Absolutely. 'Cause I'm doing nothing.' And I realized at that time that [James is] not coming back, because we already did some rehearsals and I showed them kind of what they cannot be without; I was hoping. But he did great, and then, obviously, he kind of lost it there a little bit. You can't live everybody else's life, of course. I was not there to snag his seat in the SCORPIONS, but they had to do something, and that's what they chose to do. And here I was."

A little over a year ago, SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker spoke to Spain's classic rock radio station RockFM about how he would compare the drumming styles of Kottak and Dee. Schenker said: "Every musician has his own style. James was great, and is still a great drummer — no question about this — but we had a little problem… well, he had a problem, and we tried to help him through the problem. In this case, we noticed that he need[ed] more time than we could give him because we were on tour. So in this case, Matthias [Jabs, guitar] had the idea to call Mikkey Dee, because he was available because of [MOTÖRHEAD frontman] Lemmy's death. So, yeah, it was a great thing to see light in the distance because we were a little bit depressed because we [were] helping James so much, but he couldn't deliver the spirit we gave him. And so we split."

Rudolf continued: "We rehearsed with Mikkey Dee and we noticed immediately there's a new kind of kick-ass [energy]. Everybody has his own style, and Mikkey Dee is really a very — especially for me as a rhythm guitar player — he is a very influencing person. That means when I play my riffs, he knows how to make them more wild and more powerful. And that's very good — it's a synergy effect which even is added by Paweł [Mąciwoda, bass] because they are really a great rhythm team, Pawel and Mikkey Dee, and me as a rhythm guitar player, we can build a great basis for Matthias and Klaus [Meine, vocals]."

In a 2020 interview with the SCORPIONS official fan club Crazyscorps, Kottak discussed the circumstances that led to his departure, saying: "I always liked a drink here and there. And then I always also take a pain medication called Aleve. It's what all the baseball players take, all the footballers, and it works like a charm. You take those of those and you don't feel anything. But on top of that, I'm a rock drummer in a rock band, and you've got the green light to drink.

"From 2008 to 2011, I didn't drink," he explained. "I just woke up one day and said, 'I just don't wanna drink anymore.' I didn't go to rehab; I didn't do any of that stuff. I just didn't wanna drink anymore.

"If you have any knowledge of A.A. [Alcoholics Anonymous] or any type of program or rehab, it only lasts so long and then you have what we call in recovery a relapse. I would go through these phases of a year or maybe two years of no drinking, and then you gradually…

"SCORPIONS, we play our show, we go back to the hotel, [and] 45 minutes later, we're all downstairs having dinner," he continued. "And everything's just the right price — free. All these flights back and forth from Europe, from L.A. — I was just flying constantly. Which I'm not complaining about, but it's always business or first class, and once again, all the booze is at the right price. I'm going, 'I've got the next two days off. I might as well have a drink.' And that's what triggered me to start drinking again sometimes.

"It's a typical alcoholic way of thinking: 'Well, I may as well have a drink. Why not?' And that's typical alcoholic disease thinking. 'Cause it is a disease."

Kottak, who joined the SCORPIONS in 1996, recalled one particular turning point when he spent three months at Eric Clapton's Crossroads drug and alcohol treatment center on the island of Antigua.

"I've been to hundreds — I won't say thousands — I've been to hundreds of A.A. meetings," he said. "I spent 92 days in rehab down at Eric Clapton's rehab place. I was only supposed to stay there 30 days. They offered me, they said, 'Hey, if you wanna stay another couple of weeks, it's okay.' And I'm, like, 'What? Well, do I have to pay?' 'Cause it's expensive — it's, like, 30 grand a month. They go, 'No. You can just stay if you want.' So I stayed another two weeks, then another two weeks. And long story short, I was there 92 days, which it changed my entire life and my whole way of thinking."

James went on to say that he is "still very good friends" with members of the SCORPIONS. "Me and Matthias e-mail, and me and Klaus e-mail regular, like, maybe once every few weeks. And I just say, 'Hey, man, how are you?' And Klaus will write back, 'Hey, everything is great here. What's going on with you?' It's that kind of a thing.

"I saw them [in 2019] down in Orange County, which, from here, it sounds close, but it was like a two-hour drive. I went and visited with the guys, and I said hello to the crew, and I went backstage, and I went and visited with Klaus privately.

"They're my friends, man," Kottak added. "Just 'cause you're not in a band [together] anymore doesn't mean you can't be friends. And these guys are my friends."

Asked if he had any regrets about the way his time with SCORPIONS came to an end, Kottak said: "Of course, there's always a regret with any change. But 21 years in rock and roll might as well be 150 years."

Four and a half years ago, Jabs said that he and his bandmates "had to make" the decision to fire Kottak, explaining that they gave the drummer "all the chances" to get better. "We reached the point — or he reached the point — where it was just not worth it," Jabs said.

Kottak has spent much of the last five years touring with a revamped version of KINGDOM COME, also featuring guitarists Danny Stag and Rick Steier, and bassist Johnny B. Frank, along with singer Keith St. John (formerly of MONTROSE and LYNCH MOB). Original frontman Lenny Wolf declined to participate in the reunion.

SCORPIONS' 19th studio album, "Rock Believer", was released in February 2022.

California’s Lunar have recently released their fourth album “The Illusionist” featuring album guests Jørgen Munkeby (Shining), Christian Münzner (Obscura), Andy Gillion (Mors Principium Est), Taylor Washington (Paladin), Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse), Ben Karas (Thank You Scientist), Gleb Kanasevich, and Patrick Corona. 


The nine-track album takes the listener through the life of a magician as he confronts the choices in life and offers a metaphor for those who also question their path. They have created a listening video for the serene, instrumental track “For My Next Trick” – premiered exclusively through BraveWords! Written by bassist Ryan Price, the low end plays a prominent part in this track and it signifies the calm before and after the storm where the main character has an idea for one last epic trick to pull and finally feels a sense of peace. 







The band goes into detail:


“For the final single of the album we wanted to show something a bit different. This song is very different from everything else we’ve released so far. The song is instrumental and very soft and serene. The polar opposite of the track ‘Juggling Chainsaws,’ which was the first single released from the album and also the track that directly precedes this one on the album. We wanted this one to be out there for people who haven’t listened to the album yet and see what kind of extreme variety they can expect between songs.”


Lunar cites that they have an interesting process when it comes to writing because the story or concept has come first with the last couple of albums. Then that gives a rough layout of how the music should assist in the storytelling and then the lyrics come last to really fill it in. Compared to their other three albums, which had a lot of prog-rock sounds, the newer stuff has more metal influences, and this new album has steered into new sounds they’ve never done before. There are more technical songs, there’s one that’s very Egyptian sounding, and one that is very Lunatic Soul inspired.


Expansive, creative, and technical, Lunar offers wild stories and impressive riffs. They are recommended for fans of Caligula’s Horse, Devin Townsend, and Opeth. Order The Illusionist on Bandcamp.





Tracklisting:


“Prestidigitation”
“The Illusionist”
“Showtime”
“Worship The Sun”
“Turn Off The World”
“Disassembled”
“Juggling Chainsaws”
“For My Next Trick”
“Now You See Me”


Recording Lineup: 
Drums & Percussion – Alex Bosson (Music - Track 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8,9) (Lyrics - Track 2, 3, 5, 6,9) 
Guitars – Balmore Lemus (Music - Track 4) (Lyrics - Track 4, 7 Bass – Ryan Price (Music - Track 8) 
Keyboards & Synthesizers – Alex Nasla 
Lead Vocals – Chandler Mogel 
Growl Vocals – Brian Lewis 
Clarinet – Gleb Kanasevich (Track 1) 
Saxophone – Patrick Corona (Track 2) 
Flute & Saxophone – Jørgen Munkeby (Track 6) 
Violin & Viola – Ben Karas (Track 9) 
Additional Guitar Solo – Andy Gillion (Track 2) 
Additional Guitar Solo – Taylor Washington (Track 3) 
Additional Guitar Solo – Sam Vallen (Track 5) 
Additional Guitar Solo – Christian Münzner (Track 7)

Trivium frontman Matt Heafy has  shared video shot by Metal Justice Tokyo of their entire Knotfest Japan 2023 show, which took place on April 1st in Chiba, Japan. Check it out below.


The setlist was as follows:


"Rain
"Amongst The Shadows & The Stones"
"Strife"
"Feast Of Fire"
"To The Rats"
"Down From The Sky"
"The Heart From Your Hate"
"In Waves"
"Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr"







Trivium recently announced their return to the UK this summer, for the Goblins And Wizards Tour - a baker's dozen of intimate shows including venues the band haven't played in over 15 years. Special guests will be Bleed From Within and Orbit Culture.


Bassist Paolo Gregoletto comments: "Since the first UK headline tour in 2005 we’d made it a point to do our best to get out of the big cities and play other ones that might get overlooked or skipped. We looked at old Maiden and Motörhead posters and let that inspire the way we routed this one. Bleed From Within and Orbit Culture are two of our favourite new bands and we are honoured to have them join us. This is going to be the biggest and best metal show to hit your town this summer guaranteed!"


Order tickets here or at Trivium.org.





Goblins And Wizards dates are as follows:


August
23 - Cambridge, UK - Corn Exchange
24 - Norwich, UK - UEA
25 - Nottingham, UK - Rock City
26 - Oxford, UK - O2 Academy
28 - Stone, UK - Victoria Hall
29 - Liverpool, UK - O2 Academy
30 - Sheffield, UK - O2 Academy
31 - Newcastle, UK - NX


September
2 - Edinburgh, UK - O2 Academy
3 - Leeds, UK - Stylus
4 - Bristol, UK - Academy
6 - Folkestone, UK - Leas Cliff Hall
7 - Southampton O2, UK - Guildhall

3 Headed Snake is an old school classic power metal band based out of Los Angeles, California, inspired by the sounds of Warrior, Malice, Dio and Iron Maiden. 


The group features Floridian lead singer Johnny Ray, whose insanely powerful voice has been compared to Rob Halford of Judas Priest, and two-time Grammy-nominated guitarist Sin Quirin, who has been in the industry for nearly 20 years, playing and songwriting for legendary names like Ministry.


Their third single, “Tightrope”, is a ferocious, and powerful song which speaks to dangerous ways of living, and how, oftentimes, these ways end up being the most satisfactory for the soul.




Vocalist Johnny Ray shares, “I wrote this song as an encouragement for my sons. I have always taught them that to be the best men they can be, they have to 'take the hard road' - that's the road that will build your character, that's the road that will develop your soul.” 





The first single from 3 Headed Snake, “Untouchable Undead”, speaks to these feelings, as well as acting as a commentary on religion – providing a message of looking out for the powerless, the vulnerable, and the weak. It comes in hot right off the bat, with powerful drum kicks and Johnny’s captivating and illustrious voice. Combined with Sin’s unstoppable, dark industrial sound, the song is able to grasp the attention of metalheads and bring them a feeling of catharsis all from the very first track. 





The second single, “Dead Bound from Bedlam” is best described as a “quintessential story about scapegoating.” This particular song speaks to the power of alternative ideas, and how society is quick to shun those who push against its traditional framework. By pushing outcasts away, they turn to other areas of life, usually more involved with the wilderness – which in turn “brings peace and tranquility,” according to Ray. He describes how this notion can be seen in modern life, with the exacerbation of cancel culture in the past decade. Once again invoking a positive message, the group uses the song as a way to express that the scapegoats of society will find a new and better community through new outlets.





For further details, visit 3 Headed Snake on Facebook.


 

Finnish melodic metal band Dark The Suns released a new single and music video, "Raven". The track features Paavo Laapotti (Before The Dawn & Defiled Serenity) on vocals and is taken from the upcoming fifth studio album, Raven And The Nightsky, which is released later this year via Inverse Records. 
  
Comments from the band: 
 
Mikko: "'Raven' is the fourth single from our upcoming Raven And The Nightsky album. In the 'Raven' single we have a special guest vocalist, Paavo Laapotti. He has an amazing voice, and it brought really beautiful and melancholic athmosphere for the single! Jani also played acoustic guitar for the song, so we got more good new elements. I'm really proud of the results!"


Inka: "We had talked with Paavo about making a song together, and when one night I played the piano and made the chorus to this song, I immediately thought that this would sound great with Paavo’s vocals. He is super talented and he has such a great voice. The result sounds exactly like what I thought at the time. I thought about the single cover for a long time and made many sketches of ravens and black wings to catch the right feeling; in the end it felt like all the pieces fell into place, melodies and words, Jani’s acoustic guitar, painting, video... this was a really great project with a great team, and I am so happy for the results."


Paavo: "Making of this song was very easy with seamless teamwork and a great, clear concept. I really like the song and it has the great distinctive sound of Dark The Suns but with a twist. It was an honor to be a part of this release and I think we succeeded in bringing the nordic feel to the listeners around the world."




Jani: "As usual, working with Mikko and Inka was at the same time professional and easy-going, it is always a pleasure to spend time with them. The new song, 'Raven', is super catchy with beautiful melodies in it, and the vocals by Paavo are outstanding. I was honored to be involved in this one."
 
The single is available via digital platforms found here.


 


In 2005 Dark the Suns was founded by Mikko Ojala. In 2006 the band grew when three new members (bass player Inka, Juha on the keyboards and drummer Markus) joined the band, which signed with Firebox Records that same year.
 
During 2007-2010 Firebox Records released the band’s three full-length albums (In Darkness Comes Beauty, All Ends in Silence and Sleepwalking in a Nightmare). The band performed many live shows during these years.
 
There have been some changes in the line-up over the years, but Mikko and Inka have been continuously together, making music. The band was inactive for 2013-2020 but in 2020 Mikko and Inka decided to resume making music together. It was a really natural way to continue the band as a duo, because they have written almost all the band’s music and lyrics during all these years.


In 2020 and 2021 Inverse Records released four singles from the band’s 4th album Suru Raivosi Sydämeni Pimeydessä. The album includes ten songs of melancholic and melodic Finnish metal music. The band has always described their music as "beautiful piano melodies and dark vocals."


Jani Moilanen joined the band in March 2023. Their fifth studio album is set to be released later in 2023 via Inverse Records.
 

Following the release of the anthemic single "Joy", Northern Irish rock outfit, Therapy? drop their hard-hitting new track "Poundland Of Hope And Glory". The track is taken from their new album, Hard Cold Fire, which is set for release May 5th 2023 via Marshall Records.


Therapy?’s latest opus drips with the confident and regal essence of alternative rock royalty, while simultaneously delivering a sharp and contemporary bite that leaves a lasting impression. The band use their unique sense of socio-political satire to shed light on the dangers of living in an era rife with misinformation. The lyrics are strewn with bleak imagery, serving as a poignant reminder of the pitfalls that await those who blindly accept the narratives fed to them.


“This track started out as a hard take on how people lose themselves in narratives to the point that the myth takes on greater importance than the fact,” vocalist / guitarist Andy Cairns exclaims. “Just like the old adage about the liar repeating the lie so much that they eventually believe it themselves, the culture around us is bursting with fairy stories we tell ourselves.”




“Metaphor and hagiography surround us, but in a post-truth world, the Walter Mitty character is no longer a harmless fantasist but an incendiary zealot using misinformation and chaos to achieve their goals.” Cairns continues adding, “It’s easy to smirk at middle class parents whose Harry Potter loving kids are sent to private school because of the Hogwarts style uniforms, and easy to eye roll at adults who actually play Quidditch, a fictional sport from a novel written for children, but it’s not so easy to stomach the less savoury reinvention of colonialism as a lost paradise to which we should return.”





As Therapy?’s fourth decade finally gets underway in earnest, sixteenth album Hard Cold Fire, written and pre-produced during an unprecedented time for music, is hefty, compact, and accessible, a distillation of everything that has made them what they are - hewn from County Antrim basalt, still possessed of their stoicism, but casting a renewed focus on catharsis and healing.


“One thing we did decide when we were eventually able to rehearse, was that we didn't want to make a lockdown record,” says vocalist and guitarist Andy Cairns, “because people have been through enough.”


“When we began to rehearse the songs, we realised there was an empathetic quality to them. We wanted to make something that was a bit more relatable, and less standoffish and claustrophobic - which we have a history of, and it stands in places - but we wanted to make something more approachable and open.”


“We wanted this album to be one that felt good to play live, almost a release after this period of stasis, but then also not dwelling on the whole situation - we’re moving forward, and we wanted that energy to be there,” adds bassist Michael McKeegan.


The serrated, chugging riffage, churning low-end and propulsive rhythms that are hallmarks of the band’s sound are all present and correct, but met with a new-found sense of resolution and release, as most readily displayed on the one-two punch of their first single, "Joy".





Working once more with renowned producer Chris Sheldon (Feeder, Biffy Clyro, Foo Fighters), a consistent good-luck charm for Therapy? dating back to 1994’s breakout album Troublegum, the band decamped to the newly opened Marshall Studios in Milton Keynes toward the end of 2021, working furiously to put the album down in its final form.


“We know Chris. We've got a similar mindset, a similar outlook in life, a similar sense of humour,” McKeegan says. “It works well, and it's a very easy, collaborative environment. There's no agenda to making the album, apart from 'let's make this absolutely brilliant'.”


While Hard Cold Fire represents the next milestone in the band’s ongoing journey, it sits at the front of a long body of work, veering between noise-rock, discord and sparse, groovy experimentation, and million-selling, mainstream-friendly pop and noirish, cinematic vistas.


For long-time fans, this new offering will reward an attentive ear in terms of musical flourishes and Cairns’ trademark lyrical substance, but as a finished product, the band has set out to create something that stands alone, and Hard Cold Fire achieves just that.


“There's a reinvigorated feel to the band, as though things are moving forward,” adds drummer Neil Cooper. “I'm very excited about people hearing this. It's not just about turning up and performing. Everyone's so invested... we're unbelievably lucky, some bands don't get that privilege, and I appreciate that. We're in a fantastic place.”


Hard Cold Fire will be released May 5th 2023 via Marshall Records. Pre-save / pre-order limited edition bundles here.





Hard Cold Fire tracklisting:


"They Shoot The Terrible Master"
"Woe"
"Joy"
"Bewildered Herd"
"Two Wounded Animals"
"To Disappear"
"Mongrel"
"Poundland Of Hope And Glory"
"Ugly"
"Days Kollaps"


Therapy? will play a run of intimate UK in-store dates coinciding with the album’s release. Find information for in-store tickets at this location.





(Photo credit: Tom Hoad)


 

Australian doom cultists Oceanlord are now releasing the sinister video clip for “Come Home”, the second track taken from their forthcoming new album Kingdom Cold. The unfathomable debut full-length is slated for release on May 26, 2023 via Magnetic Eye Records. Find preorder options here.


Oceanlord comment: "The song 'Come Home' was written as a haunted tragedy, prompted by the thought that if ‘home is where the heart is’, where is home when my heart has died?" guitarist and vocalist Peter Willmott asks. "The swirling psychedelic guitar and crushing riffs follow a journey from love to guilt to grief and death. Perhaps a morbid reminder to come home while you still can, or a thought that all separated roads will join eventually as we all find our home in the final darkness."







Tracklisting:


“Kingdom”
“2340”
“Siren”
“Isle Of The Dead”
“So Cold”
“Come Home”


Lineup:
Peter Willmott – guitar, vocals
Jason Ker – bass
Jon May – drums

Renowned Grammy-nominated band GOV'T MULE will release a new studio album, "Peace… Like A River", this spring. The LP's first single "Dreaming Out Loud", featuring Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster, can be streamed below. For the stirring new song, Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, and producer Warren Haynes wove together inspirational quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert and John Kennedy, and the late civil rights leader and U.S. representative John Lewis.

"Peace… Like A River", GOV'T MULE's 12th studio album and follow-up to the chart-topping, Grammy-nominated blues LP "Heavy Load Blues", will be released on June 16 via Fantasy Records. The 12-song rock collection also features guest appearances from Billy Bob Thornton, Celisse and Billy F Gibbons, the latter of whom performed with Haynes this past Sunday night at the CMT Music Awards for an incredible tribute to LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

"Peace… Like A River" is available to pre-order and pre-save on DSPs. Each digital pre-save will include an instant download of "Dreaming Out Loud". In addition, the "Peace… Like A River" deluxe edition (available on CD only) includes the original 12-track album plus the special five-track "Time Of The Signs" bonus EP, which features four brand-new, unreleased tracks and an alternate version of the album track "The River Only Flows One Way", with Warren taking lead vocals.

"'Peace… Like A River' is very ambitious from a musical arrangement standpoint in the way that a lot of the songs take twists and turns that is not common in today's pop music world," shares Haynes. "At the same time, it's very much a song record and covers a lot of ground, stylistically speaking. Song for song maybe my favorite one."

The tracks on "Peace…Like A River" explore the many sides of GOV'T MULE and bring together all the qualities that have earned the four-piece — Haynes (guitar, vocals),Matt Abts (drums),Danny Louis (keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals) and Jorgen Carlsson (bass) — the beloved stature they enjoy today. Concise songcraft coexists seamlessly with the band's trademark instrumental journeys. Songs longer than pop convention are somehow still compact: they're explorative but never meandering; the tunes are at once both wide-ranging and tightly focused. Thematically, the new album explores the seismic changes the world has gone through over the past few years. Influenced both in his songwriting and playing by what Haynes calls "the golden era of rock, soul, jazz and blues," GOV'T MULE combines the best and most enduring qualities from all those musical strains to create a timeless piece of art on "Peace… Like A River" that could have easily come out in the 1970s.

"Peace… Like A River" was recorded during the same sessions as "Heavy Load Blues" at The Power Station New England with co-producer John Paterno (ELVIS COSTELLO, BONNIE RAITT, LOS LOBOS) alongside Haynes. The albums, however, were created in different rooms, with no shared gear or instruments, keeping the two concurrent projects with their own unique identity and character.

One distinguishing difference on "Peace… Like A River" is the presence of talented friends in important guest roles. Billy F Gibbons's trademark vocals underscore the tasty ZZ TOP textures that inform the humor-infused "Shake Our Way Out", while Billy Bob Thornton adds his distinctive vocals to "The River Only Flows One Way". For introductory track "Dreaming Out Loud", Haynes wanted a SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE vocal style where different singers take different sections of the song, so he called upon previous collaborators blues great Ruthie Foster, whose backing vocals graced MULE's 2006 album "High & Mighty", and longtime friend, New Orleans soul legend Ivan Neville. Lastly, rising soul artist Celisse adds her incredible vocals to "Just Across The River".

GOV'T MULE will be out on the road this year in support of "Peace… Like A River". First up, the band heads out on a 10-date spring headlining tour, which kicks off May 5 in New Orleans during Jazz Fest, stops at the Ryman in Nashville on May 12 and wraps in Haynes's hometown of Asheville, North Carolina with back-to-back shows at Salvage Station's Outdoor Stage on May 19 and May 20. Then, this summer, GOV'T MULE is bringing back their extremely rare PINK FLOYD tribute "Dark Side Of The Mule" for a 12-date summer amphitheater tour that includes a stop at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre on August 7. The "Dark Side Of The Mule" tour, produced by Live Nation, will feature a full GOV'T MULE set leading into "Dark Side Of The Mule", as well as special guest JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING, and will mark the final time MULE will perform the acclaimed set, which first debuted in 2008 and has only been performed live 10 times in total. Additionally, GOV'T MULE will perform select dates with THE AVETT BROTHERS and on Willie Nelson's "Outlaw Music Festival" tour this summer as well as various festival appearances. The band's New Year's run from last year has also been rescheduled for December 29 in Philadelphia and December 30 and December 31 in New York City.

"Peace… Like A River" track listing:

01. Same As It Ever Was
02. Shake Our Way Out (ft. Billy F Gibbons)
03. Made My Peace
04. Peace I Need
05. Your Only Friend
06. Dreaming Out Loud (ft. Ivan Neville and Ruthie Foster)
07. Head Full Of Thunder
08. The River Only Flows One Way (ft. Billy Bob Thornton)
09. After The Storm
10. Just Across The River (ft. Celisse)
11. Long Time Coming
12. Gone Too Long

Deluxe edition (CD Only) - "Time Of The Signs" EP track listing:

01. Stumblebum
02. Under The Tent
03. Time Stands Still
04. Blue, Blue Wind
05. The River Only Flows One Way (WH vocals)

Photo credit: Shervin Lainez

Fall Of Earth, hailing from Edmonton, Canada is a myriad of different styles that all come together in a creative and approachable form of modern, thrashing melo-death and progressive metal. Collectively, each of the four members possesses the highest levels of musicianship while never forgetting to put on the exceptional live show they have become known for delivering. They have a new album coming out this year, their second, and From The Ashes promises to be more cohesive and refined than the previous one. While fans wait for this release, they are offering their next single “Purgatory”. 


They share the story behind the track:


"A recently passed man observes how quickly he is forgotten in the world of the living. With his memory fading from existence and the ones he thought loved him continuing their lives effortlessly, he must wander in a state of limbo. Not being able to accept the harsh truth, the man is left to explore purgatory for eternity without passing on to a heavenly afterlife. Musically, we start off this track with a melancholy bass intro, in a strange time signature of 13/8. The song builds off of this section piece by piece, becoming fuller up until the verse where it takes off and comes together. There is an interesting mix of despair and realization within this composition, highlighted by the contrast between sections. I personally think the pinnacle of this song is the first bridge section, where we lay down a heart-pounding, groovy ‘Gojira’ style riff, and eventually bring it back to an alternate chorus to tie all these dynamics together."




Compared to their debut, the band believes that their sophomore record From The Ashes is a coherent next step. Although their previous album was far more experimental, they strongly feel like fans will find that they are taking these audio experiments and solidifying them into their signature “thing”. They are confident that listeners will be happy with this transition from songs with cool sections, into compositions with intent and purpose.


With a writing process that is seamless and tracks that come together organically, each song is created in a different way. Sometimes it starts with lyrics, sometimes a guitar riff, they’ve even based it off of drum patterns a few times. In the end, the team effort between the four of them ties together the structure and the result is melodic, and thought-provoking. Their music is recommended for fans of Gojira, Dream Theatre, and Periphery.


From The Ashes is due out on April 21; preorder/pre-save here.





Tracklisting:


“Medusa”
“The Dead And Soon To Be”
“Block Out The Sun”
“Path To Self Destruction
“Crossroads”
“From The Ashes”
“Shores Of War”
“Purgatory”
“Into The Woods”


"Purgatory":





“Block Out The Sun” lyric video:





Fall Of Earth live:


April
8 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room


August
6 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Festival 


(Photo: Christopher Wood)

JETHRO TULL will release its 23rd studio album, "RökFlöte", on April 21 via InsideOut Music. Following 2022's "The Zealot Gene", the group's first LP in two decades, Ian Anderson and his bandmates are returning with a 12-track record based on the characters and roles of some of the principal gods of the old Norse paganism, and at the same time exploring the "RökFlöte" — rock flute — which JETHRO TULL has made iconic.

Today the band has launched the third single from the album, "Hammer On Hammer". The track takes inspiration from the god Thor, a loyal and honorable warrior who wears a powerful symbolic belt and wields a hammer. His mortal enemy and nemesis was Jormungand, the sea serpent.

"RökFlöte" will be available on several different formats, including two limited deluxe formats that include bonus demo material, extensive liner notes and a Blu-ray featuring Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound, alternative stereo mixes by Bruce Soord (THE PINEAPPLE THIEF),as well as a bonus track and in-depth interview with Anderson. The album will also be available digitally in the spatial audio formats Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 RA.

"RökFlöte" track listing:

01. Voluspo
02. Ginnungagap
03. Allfather
04. The Feathered Consort
05. Hammer On Hammer
06. Wolf Unchained
07. The Perfect One
08. Trickster (And The Mistletoe)
09. Cornucopia
10. The Navigators
11. Guardian's Watch
12. Ithavoll

Ian explains the album's title and theme in more detail: "The title of this offering went through a little change or two along the way. I started with the idea of a predominantly instrumental album for rock flute — as in rock music. When the subject material of the album presented itself, I was drawn to the term Ragnarök from Norse mythology — their version of apocalyptic end times or Biblical Armageddon. The 'final showdown' scenario is ubiquitous and inherent in Hinduism, Christianity and Islam, for example. Ragnarök translates as 'destiny of the Gods', the rök part meaning destiny, course, direction. With umlaut firmly in place, courtesy of the Germanic origins of Old Norse, Flute became Flöte in keeping with the spelling. With me so far? I just can't miss the glorious opportunity for a good and legitimate umlaut."

"The Zealot Gene", released in January 2022, was JETHRO TULL's 22nd studio album and it garnered critical acclaim across the board. Reaching No. 9 in the U.K. album charts, a feat the band hadn't reached since 1972, it also debuted at No. 4 in Germany, No. 3 in Switzerland, No. 5 in Austria, No. 8 in Finland, as well as top 10 in the U.S. album charts, Current Album charts and Rock Album charts.

With more than 30 albums to their credit and sales totaling more than 50 million, JETHRO TULL are one of the most successful rock bands of all-time with a catalog that contains classics that still resonate today. Led by Anderson, TULL continue to tour throughout the world, entertaining audiences of all ages.

The band consists of:

Ian Anderson - Concert and Alto flutes, Flute d'Amour, Irish whistle and vocals
David Goodier - Bass
John O'Hara - Piano, keyboards and Hammond Organ
Scott Hammond - Drums
Joe Parrish-James - Electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin

Two-time-Grammy-nominated band RIVAL SONS has shared the official music video for its latest single, "Bird In The Hand". It stands out as the latest anthem to be unveiled from the group's upcoming full-length album, "Darkfighter", set for release on June 2.

"Bird In The Hand", directed by Kurt Kubicek, continues the narrative featured in the previously released companion videos for the explosive singles "Nobody Wants To Die" (directed by Eli Sokhn) and "Rapture" (directed by Kurt Kubicek).

"The saga continues with another prequel in our new video," says guitarist Scott Holiday. "Jay and I teamed up to write and produce this one again, as well as working with our pal Kurt Kubicek. All shot in our backyard in the Hollywood Hills… right off the Sunset Strip! Right up the street from the world-famous Whisky A Go Go, actually! We found this incredible time capsule mid-century home that sets the scene for most of the video. It's been incredible making these little vignettes. Really fun. All created on pretty tiny budgets. But the limitations force us to get ultra creative and focused. We've been extremely blessed to have such talented friends/crew/and collaborators working with us that see these videos as passion projects… which is the only way they come together. I think when you watch the series of videos you can feel the love that's gone into them."

Vocalist Jay Buchanan adds: "'Rapture' was a prequel to 'Nobody Wants To Die' and 'Bird In The Hand' is a prequel to 'Rapture'. Same cast of characters, different part of the story. It's been a great time writing and producing these videos along with great directors and crew. With video production we're really at that sweet spot where we don't know the rules so we're not afraid of breaking them. We'll see where it goes from here."

Buchannan previously stated about "Bird In The Hand": "There's a lyric in there, 'Let's go down to the river where the water runs still and deep, to scatter the ashes of the mess I used to be.' You can burn through a whole lot of time just trying to find your lane, your realized intention. At some point you accept reincarnation as a waking process. Build, refine and burn again and again and the lyric, 'A bird in the hand, now that's a miracle I can believe' is the immersive commitment to the present."

In support of new LP, RIVAL SONS will embark on an extensive five-week North American headline run dubbed "The Darkfighter Tour" which will feature support from THE BLACK ANGELS, THE RECORD COMPANY and STARCRAWLER on select dates. The trek kicks off on May 11 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the Diamond Ballroom, visits major markets across the country, and concludes on June 18 in Denver, Colorado at the Ogden Theatre. In between, the band will perform at a handful of festivals such as Welcome To Rockville in Daytona Beach, Florida on May 20 and Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio on May 27.

Heightening excitement for this next chapter of RIVAL SONS, the band has also shared details of a companion album titled "Lightbringer" — due out in late 2023.

Expanding on the two-album set, Buchanan commented: "In comparison to our previous records, we certainly took our time both writing and recording this collection. When we set out, the intention was mostly to dig as deep as possible. Even in the beginning before the body had formed, we agreed to throw the map away and chop our way through the woods to make a new path. Then lockdown hit and it felt like the whole damn country decided to throw the map away too. For myself, 2022 was like an eight-stage rocket of life changing events, so every time I thought I was finished writing, a new bull would come tearing through the clothesline and I'd have to illustrate it in some way. By the end, there were really two different sides to the same story being told. On one side, you're fighting the darkness and, on the other, you're bringing your own light to where there is none. One side in a corner, on the ropes, and the other advancing, cleaning the ring. Without an intermission, a refractory period, the collection would be too big a bite, so splitting it in two was the only way to do it."

"Darkfighter" and "Lightbringer" were both produced by longtime collaborator and multi-Grammy Award-winner Dave Cobb. These albums mark the first new music from RIVAL SONS since the release of 2019's "Feral Roots", which earned the band two Grammy Award nominations.

In 2021, RIVAL SONS celebrated the 10th anniversary of their 2011 album, "Pressure And Time", by performing the landmark longplayer live in its entirety on the "Pressure And Time" tour for the first time. They also lit up Southern California with a two-night livestream event, "Rival Sons: Pair Of Aces", live from the historic Catalina Casino on Santa Catalina Island. They performed their debut LP, "Before The Fire" (2009),in its entirety on the first night and their self-titled EP, "Rival Sons" (2010),on the second.

"Darkfighter" track listing:

01. Mirrors
02. Nobody Wants To Die
03. Bird In The Hand
04. Bright Light
05. Rapture
06. Guillotine
07. Horses Breath
08. Darkside

RIVAL SONS is Jay Buchanan (vocals, harmonica, rhythm guitar),Scott Holiday (lead guitar),Mike Miley (drums) and Dave Beste (bass).

Photo credit: Pamela Littky

After the recent death of original founding member Gary Rossington, the Lynyrd Skynyrd band members and estates have been in discussion on what was next for the group and the music that is celebrating 50 years of generational history in American Rock and Roll.


The current members, led by Johnny Van Zant, the singer for the past 36 years, was unsure if they would continue following Gary’s untimely passing. After much discussion with the band, the families of Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, and Dale Rossington, the collective has reached unified support, and feel that continuing to perform live, and keeping the music alive, is in the best interest of the fans and everyone involved.


Dale Rossington shares, “I recently lost my husband and partner of over 41 years. He was an amazing father, grandfather, brother and friend, but most importantly was a world class musician and songwriter. It’s been my honor and privilege to share the stage with him for all these years. His music touched so many millions of people around The World, and Gary was always the first to say how, ‘Skynyrd’s music is bigger than me or any one person.’ Gary made it known at every chance to express how timeless the music was, and it was always his goal to keep the music alive for his brothers because that was always their dream. He spent his entire life trying to carry on that dream for Ronnie, Allen, Steve and all the others over the years. While he was not able to physically be on stage with the current lineup over the last couple years, he supported them in every way. His dream will continue thanks to Johnny, Rickey and the rest of our band mates to continue to carry his legacy and music on for future generations.”




Johnny Van Zant adds, “Gary was not only my brother, bandmate and friend. I think he loved me as much as I loved him. We would do anything for each other. We laughed, we fell, we cried and made up, and shared the stage for the last 36 years. Gary, along with my brother Ronnie and Allen started this band and left us all a legacy of music that has stood the test of time, and crossed three generations of fans. The music they created, and the music we created, together since 1987, was always meant to be experienced live. We have come together with the founding band member estates, and everyone involved, and feel the music should continue for everyone to love and enjoy. So we will continue to perform for the Skynyrd Nation.”


Judy Van Zant Jenness adds, “Lynyrd Skynyrd has been a part of my life for 50+ years. The journey has been filled with love, joy, friendship and tragedy. Ronnie, Gary and Allen’s dream was to write music that would connect with people and to play that music live. I cannot say with certainty what those who have passed on would want us to do, but I do know what Gary wanted. And I know what the fans want. To show our undying love for those who are no longer with us and to pay tribute to them, the music will continue. The Lynyrd Skynyrd family is unified in this decision.”


In June, Encore will present Lynyrd Skynyrd’s performance filmed at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN on November 13, 2022. The concert film captures the final public performance of Gary Rossington, and will be exhibited on big screens in movie theaters across the U.S. It will then be broadcast in August on PBS. The CMT Music Awards presented an all-star tribute live on CBS from Austin’s Moody Center on April 2, honoring original founding member Gary Rossington featuring Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers, Slash, and Warren Haynes with LeAnn Rimes and Wynonna Judd joining as “The Honkettes.” Recently, Lynyrd Skynyrd was honored by Spotify for reaching the milestone achievement of 1 billion streams for “Sweet Home Alabama.”


The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour, the first co-headlining tour featuring ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd will stage performances in twenty-five cities in North America this summer, with special guest Uncle Kracker. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on Friday, July 21 at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, FL, and wraps in Camden, NJ at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion on Sunday, September 17.





Tour dates:


July
21 - West Palm Beach, FL - iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
23 - Alpharetta, GA - Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
28 - Rogers, AR - Walmart AMP
29 - Fort Worth, TX - Dickies Arena
30 - Woodlands, TX - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman


August
7 - Denver, CO - Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre*
10 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
11 - Wheatland, CA - Toyota Amphitheatre
13 - Phoenix, AZ - Ak-Chin Pavilion
17 - Maryland Heights, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
19 - Tinley Park, IL - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
20 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Music Center
25 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
26 - Clarkston, MI - Pine Knob Music Theatre
27 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage


September
1 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion
2 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion
3 - Burgettstown, PA - The Pavilion at Star Lake
8 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
9 - Hershey, PA - Hersheypark Stadium
10 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
15 - Raleigh, NC - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
17 - Camden, NJ - Freedom Mortgage Pavilion


* Not A Live Nation Date


Additional Lynyrd Skynyrd dates:


April
29 - Brandon, MS Jubilee Days - Brandon Amphitheater


May
5 - West Panama City Beach, FL - Thunder Beach at Frank Brown Park
19 - Bushkill, PA - Lost Highway Motorcycle Show & Concert 2023
20 - Cleveland, OH - Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
27 - Laughlin, NV - Laughlin Event Center


June
16 - Santa Rosa, CA - Country Summer Music Festival
17 - Del Mar, CA - Toyota Summer Concert Series


July
14 - Prior Lake, MN - Lakefront Music Fest 2023
15 - West Fargo, ND - Red River Valley Fair


August
4 - Sweet Home, OR - Oregon Jamboree Music Festival 2023
6 - Sturgis, SD - Sturgis Buffalo Chip


Lynyrd Skynyrd will return to Brazil in September.