Doom metal band MNRVA have released a video for their song "Not The One". The track is taken from their album Hollow, which came out last year via Black Doomba Records. A vinyl version is set to be released on April 7th, 2023 with pre-orders starting on March 17th, 2023.


The band comments: "'Not The One' is a mid-tempo, sludgy track with a psychedelic intro, catchy vocal hooks, and in-the-pocket grooves. We filmed the video at filmmaker Chris Bickel's compound on a sweltering Saturday in June. Columbia, SC's city motto is 'famously hot' and we were all pretty much at our limit, even with constant hydration and industrial fans, which set the perfect scene for a song about burning it all down. The hottest part of the day was actually well after sunset, when the director had us improvise some around-the-bonfire scenes. The fire burned so intensely hot and fast that we had to act quickly. Kevin is a natural at spontaneous invention, and dark mystery."







MNRVA venture further into the descending darkness with their debut full-length, Hollow. Conjuring gloomy atmospheres with funereal doom and fuzz tones, the heavy trio are unafraid to unveil what’s lurking in the shadows.


Forming in 2018, MNRVA made their debut with the EP Black Sky, giving fans a tantalising taste of their unconventional sludge fuelled doom sound. Hollow builds further on their exploration of heavy music with groove-laden riffs, mid-slow tempo tracks and vocals which range between soaring melodies and those of guttural demons .


“Not The One” introduces the new album with ludicrously overdriven instruments, impactful percussion and vocals that appear to be reaching out of the abyss. The title track falls further into the gloom evoking an intense dark mood. Melodic motifs and riffs punctuate the black with an experimental twist, adding something extra to the sound without breaking the nightmarish illusion. “The Way” concludes the album with the wrath of the void, fusing the sinister and sombre.


Hollow is a melting pot of sludge drawing upon the guitar grind of Melvins, the vocal interplay of Mastodon, and the post-doom heaviness of Wisconsin’s Bereft. Embracing their influences while cultivating their own distinctive edge, MNRVA manipulate these dynamic musical elements to manifest an enticing atmosphere.





Tracklisting:


"Not The One" 
"With Fire" 
"Third Eye" 
"Hollow" 
"Befall" 
"Black Sky" 
"No Solution"
"The Way" 





Lineup:


Byron Hawk - guitar, vocals
Kevin Jennings - bass, vocals
Gina Ercolini - drums


 

Pop Evil, the hard rock group whose upcoming seventh album, Skeletons, releases on Friday, March 17 via MNRK Heavy, announced today the release of 601 digital box sets in the Vault format, which give superfans exclusive access to the full album, setlists, lyric sheets, behind-the-scenes content, VIP packages, and more, all five days before its official release.


The announcement is the latest in a long history of innovation and fan-first thinking from Pop Evil, a larger-than-life true rock n’ roll band that defies the odds as independent heavy metal artists like a battering ram.







Created by the co-founders of sports betting market leader FanDuel, Vault is the creator of the mobile-friendly Digital Music Collectible (DMC) music format and the Vault protocol, an open and fully decentralized network for purchasing, playing, and sharing music on third-party apps and websites.


“This release with Pop Evil is unprecedented both for fans and for the music industry,” says Vault CEO Nigel Eccles. “Pop Evil has always walked the walk in staying true to their musical integrity. Skeletons has a force and energy behind it that should be experienced in a deeper way than streaming allows for, and that’s exactly what the Vault format is built for: allowing fans to experience the depth of creativity that an artist puts into their music, all in an easy-to-use, collectible format. We are thrilled to bring the band’s vision to life for their fans.”


Pop Evil’s Skeletons digital box sets, which can be purchased and played directly on a mobile device from the Vault platform, contain a treasure trove of exclusive album material and perks designed to give superfans a richer experience of Skeletons.


Three different tiers of Skeletons box sets are available - Standard, Deluxe, and Superfan - each of which contain early access to the album, setlists, handwritten lyric sheets, behind-the-scenes content, a 20% merch discount, and a chance to win tour VIP packages. The top tier—the Superfan Box Set, which is a one of one drop - also includes a private acoustic performance for one lucky super fan and a guest.


“Pop Evil has always stood for music by the people, for the people,” says Brandon Squar, MNRK’s SVP, Marketing & Sales. “We and the band feel that there was no better way to kick-off release week than by giving super fans the chance to experience the album first. By collecting one of these digital box sets, the fans will be the first 600 people in the world to hear ‘Skeletons.’ But beyond just early access to the album, we’re able to reward early-adopter fans with behind-the-scenes access and perks, putting our artists’ fans first.”


To purchase and play one of Pop Evil’s digital box sets, head here.


Skeletons sees the band once again working with producer, Drew Fulk (Disturbed, Papa Roach, Motionless in White), a friend and collaborator on a few previous albums that generated numerous hits. “With Versatile, we had a bunch of producers, but for this album, we just wanted to work with one person and get back to our roots,” says Kakaty. “There’s an energy he and I have, and he’s been great at helping us build these songs and work around some collective themes.”


Pre-save and pre-order Skeletons here.





Tracklisting:


"Arrival"
"Paranoid (Crash & Burn)"
"Circles"
"Eye Of The Storm"
"Sound Of Glory"
"Skeletons"
"Worth It"
"Who Will We Become"
"Wrong Direction" (Feat. Devour the Day)
"Dead Reckoning" (Feat. Fit For A King)
"Raging Bull" (Feat. Zillion)


"Dead Reckoning":





"Paranoid (Crash & Burn)" video:





"Eye Of The Storm" video:





Pop Evil will head out on their Skeletons Tour headlining US dates starting on March 17 in Sault St. Marie, MI at Kewadin Casino, and concluding on April 23 in Milwaukee at The Rave. Special guests, The Word Alive and Avoid, will join. Tickets are on sale now at www.popevil.com.





(Photo - Nick Fancher)

AVENGED SEVENFOLD has released "Nobody", the band's first new single since 2016. The triumphant track and its accompanying stop-motion video offer the first taste of the Huntington Beach, California band's forthcoming eighth album, "Life Is But a Dream..." , which drops June 2. Watch the "Nobody" video directed by award-winning director Chris Hopewell below.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD will support the release with two massive live shows this summer, at Kia Forum on June 9 and Madison Square Garden on June 23. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 17. The newly announced arena concerts mark AVENGED SEVENFOLD's first proper New York City on-sale appearance since 2007 and their first Los Angeles County headline on sale since 2009.

"Nobody", the band’s first official music release since their 2016 album "The Stage", delivers nearly six minutes of tension, groove, and dynamics. The song twists and turns beyond conventional songwriting and leans in on discomfort before letting go. The beautifully crafted stop-motion music video, which unfolds like a short film, is a stunning and powerful journey exploring the dichotomy between life and death, love and war, and follows the main character through an existential crisis. Stop motion is a handmade labor of love, often taking 90 minutes just to capture only two seconds of footage.

Prior to the track's release, the band launched an elaborate and mysterious digital scavenger hunt with puzzles, ciphers, images, and blog posts all written by Chat GPT, DALL-E 2, and AI voice modifiers. What was initiated as a cryptic hacker campaign on socials, eventually lead fans to a web site full of challenges to complete over the past two weeks that ultimately lead to the single being "unlocked" for release today.

The sprawling sound of "Nobody" is reflective of "Life Is But A Dream..." . Written and recorded over the span of four years, "Life Is But a Dream..." was inspired by the writing and philosophy of Albert Camus. Accordingly, the lyrics are rooted in existentialism and absurdism. Always on the cutting edge of music and technology, AVENGED SEVENFOLD has partnered with Berify to include an NFC tag with bonus content on all CDs, vinyl, cassettes and official merchandise sold on A7XWorld.com. Additionally, the cover art and packaging are by renowned artist Wes Lang. Bold and multi-layered, the band’s new album promises to be their most daring.

To date, AVENGED SEVENFOLD has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and earned two consecutive No. 1 albums on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart (2010's "Nightmare" and 2013's "Hail To The King") to go along with over a billion video views and a billion-plus Spotify streams, as well as multiple No. 1 singles on rock radio. The band is equally known for their spectacular live shows, selling out arenas and headlining the world's most prestigious rock festivals.

Photo credit: Brian Catelle

Yossi Sassi & The Oriental Rock Orchestra, featuring former Orphaned Land guitarist Yossi Sassi, have released their new album, Prediluvian today (March 13th), available now on all digital platforms. To celebrate the release Yossi Sassi has revealed their second single and video, "Armaros Fall" feat. Haken's Ross Jennings.


This is Yossi’s sixth solo album, and the 5th since leaving Orphaned Land (after composing and recording All Is One), the oriental metal band he co-founded, and created a worldwide genre.


The new album includes 12 new tracks, electric, acoustic and diverse. 




“In the new album I’ve ‘drifted back’ to my electric guitar, and it is full with loads of guitar riffs, alongside our unique blend of oriental progressive rock”, Says Sassi, “The album's title and concept relate to a period in time chronicled between the fall of man and the genesis flood. History just keeps repeating, and while writing and brainstorming, I felt this would be a proper framework to gather various feelings and capture some of the essence of this current period in humanity. In 2002 I created the successful Mabool album and concept along with my brothers in Orphaned Land, so it felt only natural to go back - before the flood. Playing and creating with time, and as usual, the clocks keep melting”.


The album includes a guest apprance of Sassi’s longtime friend and musical collaborator, the amazing Ross Jennings, the lead singer for Haken. This is Jennings’ second appearance on Sassi’s albums and the joint song, “Armaros Fall” hits as an offical single and video with the release of the new album.


Watch the "Armaros Fall" video below.


The album was recorded at Black Rock Studios in the Island Of Santorini, making the exclusive mediterranean venue a musical home for Sassi and the gang, as this is the 3rd album recorded on the Island. 


“One of the most amazing things about creating our music and albums is the privilege to deepen our friendship”, says Sassi, “Whether it's waking up in the morning and naturally sliding into a sunrise jam by the sea or in the living room or after dinner late at night, sharing ideas into the small hours. It's the bond that makes us create better music”.





Tracklist:


"On Shoulders Of Nephilim"
"Uriel Machine"
"Oopart"
"Atlantis"
"Armaros Fall" (feat. Ross Jennings) 05:17
"Anelo"
"Watchers Of Iyrin"
"Architect Of The Stars"
"Vision Of Water"
"Kumlar"
"Sirius"
"The First Sunrise"





Photo by Robert Wilk

Earlier this month, KISS announced the final shows of its last tour — two back-to-back shows at Madison Square Garden in New York at the end of 2023. The last leg of KISS's 19-date North American tour will kick off in October in Texas and culminate in the MSG concerts on December 1 and December 2.

Asked in a new interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal if KISS would ever play a show again in Las Vegas, after the band's residency at Zappos Theater scheduled for December 2021-February 2022 was called off, bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons said: "I actually don't know because we have been so inundated by people wanting to see us wherever we go. I mean, every guy whoever washed my dog or did my dry cleaning is hitting me up for tickets for his entire family, three generations back. Vegas? I don't know, it would be nice to do a Vegas residency. But I don't know any of these things."

When KISS's second Las Vegas residency was scrapped back in October 2021, Las Vegas Review-Journal writer John Katsilometes initially reported that "soft ticket sales" were said to be the reason the run has been called off, but his article was later updated to remove any mention of this.

The legendary rockers previously set up shop in Sin City in November 2014 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel And Casino. The nine-show run was captured for the "Kiss Rocks Vegas" DVD and Blu-ray set, which arrived in August 2016.

This past January, KISS frontman Paul Stanley was asked by Yahoo! whether the last concert of the "End Of The Road" tour will truly mark the band's final performance or if there is a chance of one-off shows or a Las Vegas residency in the future, Stanley said: "I really can't say. But it is the last of any kind of regular shows or touring.

"It's just time," he explained. "And in the same way, it's time consuming. And physically, it's grueling to do what we do. Hell, if I could go out on stage in my jeans and a t-shirt, give us another 10, 15 years easily. But what we do is a whole different sport. I mean, we're athletes; we're running around on stage with 30, 40, pounds of gear, and it's not possible to do it that much longer. So we're not like other bands.

"So, will we do more shows or one-offs? I really have no idea," Paul admitted. "But this is a real clear mindset that the touring days and doing those kind of shows, that's over."

Oakland thrashers, Vio-lence, performed on the Ronnie James Dio stage at Bloodstock Open Air 2022. Pro-shot footage for their 42 minute set is available below:





Setlist:




"Eternal Nightmare"
"Serial Killer"
"Calling In The Coroner"
"Officer Nice"
"Kill On Command"
"Upon Their Cross"
"Phobophobia"
"World In A World"

Babylon A.D. is back. The band has announced the new live concert recording, Live Lightning from Perris Records, to be released on March 17. The new album includes their top-ten rock-radio classic hits “Hammer Swings Down”, “Kid Goes Wild", and “Bang Go The Bells” from their debut release, their hit “Bad Blood” from the Nothing Sacred album, and songs from their studio albums American Blitzkrieg, The Lost Sessions and their last release Revelation Highway are all featured. 


Served up as an appetizer is the video for “Kid Goes Wild":







The fourteen hard rocking tracks on Live Lightning showcase the high-energy, powerful live performances that Babylon A.D. is renowned for and the band plans on hitting the road in support of the new album.


Derek Davis, Babylon A.D. lead singer, "We are really excited about this release. The band's sound engineer recorded three of our shows and then we went about listening to all the tracks we had recorded. The best sounding tracks came from The Empress Theater in Vallejo CA and Swiss Park Music Hall in Newark CA. We had sixteen songs to choose from and we settled on fourteen. Every studio album we have released is represented so it’s a good mix of songs. It was really cool putting the final mixes together, hearing the songs fresh with a few the surprises and a few mistakes here and there kept it interesting and real. 


“The band is booking shows now and plan to do a lot of dates this year and keep the energy we have alive. We can’t wait to start playing again, the only thing good that came out of the whole Covid lock down is the songwriting time we used. We are in the rehearsal stage for a new album and we have demos of fifteen songs already and plan to narrow that down to ten to twelve of the best tracks. We plan to release the new studio album early next year. Babylon A.D. is back! And we are ready to start a fire.”





Tracklisting:


“Saturday Night”
“Hammer Swings Down”
“One Million Miles”
“Bang Go The Bells”
“Sinking In The Sand”
“Desperate”
“Maryanne”
“She Like To Give It”
“Bad Blood”
“Crash And Burn”
“Shot Of Love”
“Love Blind”
“Sally Danced”
“Kid Goes Wild”


Place your pre-order now at this location.


 

According to Variety, GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash has launched a new horror production company.

BerserkerGang is a partnership between Slash and Michael Paszt, James Fler and Andrew T. Hunt of Raven Banner; Rodrigo Gudiño of Rue Morgue magazine; and producer Pasha Patriki of Hangar 18 Media.

In a statement issued to Variety, the 57-year-old musician said: "I've always been a huge horror fan, especially going back to the days when horror movies actually scared the hell out of you.

"I want to get into the heart of the producing business so I can try and make movies that I'd like to see."

Slash, Raven and Rodrigo have already collaborated on the film "The Breach", which premiered at a couple of festivals in 2022 and will receive a commercial release later this year. The guitarist scored and executive-produced the movie, which was based on a book by Nick Cutter and adapted by Ian Weir.

"I've been hustling, you know, trying to produce movies, since the last one that I did, which was all the way back in 2013," Slash said in a 2022 episode of the MovieMaker podcast.

Regarding "The Breach", Slash said: "I'm an old-school sort of horror fan. We've been using Lovecraftian kind of references on this, but it definitely has sort of a slow burn, sort of '70s aesthetic, and there was a suspense thing because you really don't know what the fuck is going on until the last act. It's the kind of thing where, for me, it's more cerebral than it is just everything, you know, spilled out on to the screen. [Gudiño] knows my style, so he knew I would dig it.”

Slash had previously scored 2011's "This Is Not A Movie" and 2013's "Nothing Left To Fear". He also contributed music to Quentin Tarantino's 1997 crime drama "Jackie Brown".

"Being that I'm a guitar player and sort of recognized for doing sort of loud, boisterous, hard rock stuff, that does not hardly ever apply when I'm writing something for a movie," he told the MovieMaker podcast. "Usually, every script I've written sort of pulls me in another direction. That being said, you can have a rock song in a movie, and that's great. But as far as the actual score is concerned, it can be something that's super, super light, or it can be a lot of you know, stand-up bass and cello."

He continued: "I can't be bothered with whatever people's expectations are. I mean, the variables in that alone would make you crazy, if you start thinking really about what other people's expectations are going to be. You just have to sort of just follow your gut instinct, and then once you've established that, you can think, Now, is that going to make sense to anybody else listening, or not? But even then, I don't really — I just do what I think is going to work and what sounds good to me, and then just go from there. I always have done."

Hailing from the cold mountains of Norway, Noxium Ferus is a diabolical horror act fronted by Espen Dyngen, a misanthropic hermit who has written lyrics for many well-known metal bands. The album is hard-hitting, old-school blackened death metal with a recognizable sound and style. The band's first offensive audio attack is the release of the single "Dickslapped By The Devil," featuring guest artist Jontho Panthera, Ragnarok drummer and leader. Noxium Ferus is completely uncompromising in its musical identity and content, presenting its audible horror show with offensive humor and strong anti-religious content.


Noxium Ferus is a band project created by sheer coincidence, and today, Espen is running the band together with his trusted right-hand, Torgeir 'Alvakien' Espedal, the new guitar player. Blasphemicon is a must-listen for fans of extreme metal, as Noxium Ferus brings the devil to your doorstep.


Blasphemicon is packed with horror and sonic torment, featuring artists having been involved with bands like Trelldom, Behemoth, Ragnarok, Belphegor, Natas, Massemord, SpitfireNorway, Nattverd, Chinbjer...and even an actor from the Valhalla Vikings show.




It is available via Wormholedeath Records on all digital platforms found here.





Tracklist:


"Blasphemicon"
"Kerethial - Cut Off From God"
"Make Me kill"
"Autokrator"
"IA Pazuzu"
"Live Life Loveless"
"The Conjuration Of Fire"
"Phallic Pride"
"Dickslapped By The Devil"
"Destroyer" (Twisted Sister cover)


"The Conjuration Of Fire"

Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck died at the age of 78 on January 10, 2023 after contracting bacterial meningitis. 


It’s just been announced that Eric Clapton is set to team up with a huge array of artists for two upcoming tribute shows, reports Matt Owen of Guitar World.


Set to take place on May 22nd and 23rd at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall, the shows will see Clapton team up with the likes of Gary Clark Jr., Doyle Bramhall II, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, as well as Billy Gibbons, John McLaughlin and Robert Randolph.




Beck’s close friend and guitar partner Johnny Depp will also make an appearance at the tribute concerts, as will some of Beck’s other close musical collaborators, such as Imelda May, Olivia Safe, Rod Stewart and Joss Stone. More musicians will be confirmed for the show in due course, with the full guest list set to be finalized nearer the date of the performances.


Members of the Jeff Beck Band - Rhonda Smith, Anika Nilles and Robert Stevenson are also slated to feature on both nights.


Tickets for the Jeff Beck tribute concerts are set to go on sale Wednesday, March 15th at Bookings Direct. Pre-sale will take place the day before, and registration for access is available at See Tickets.


Surplus income from the concerts will be donated to the Folly Wildlife Rescue based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.


 

The Iron Maidens guitarist Courtney Cox will replace Larissa Ernst in Burning Witches due to maternity leave. An official statement reads:


"First of all, congrats to our shredder Larissa, she is expecting a baby this Summer. So all the best for this special time of your life sister!


Yes, this came very unexpected and in the middle of the new album but that is life, the show must go on! We were looking for the best solution possible until Larissa is back from her maternity leave and we wanna introduce our good friend and fantastic guitar player Courtney Cox (The Iron Maidens) as her replacement. We are super thrilled she will be playing with us at all the upcoming shows, and you can see her shred already in the next Witches video."




Larissa explains: “Dear fans, friends, metalheads, due to my motherhood I will not be regularly playing on stage for some time. I am very thankful, that my desire to have children got fulfilled, but I am missing my witch-sisters and you all already. I am glad that we found a good solution for the meantime and want to say thank you to my girls for their flexibility and love, to Courtney for playing the upcoming shows, to our amazing fans, label, supporters and to everybody involved! I am looking forward to seeing you all at future Burning Witches shows, stay metal!”


Courtney Cox adds: “Where do I even begin... I have been friends with the mighty Witches for a long time now, and to be able to lend my guitar to their mighty coven is beyond an honor for me. To Larissa, I hope I make you proud. Ready To Fight! Love CC“


The next Burning Witches single / video is being released via Napalm Records on March 30th – stay tuned!





When Burning Witches come together, the world is ablaze. With just a sip of their bewitched brew of heavy metal, the quintet whisks the listener back to the heyday of the hottest and cruelest era in rock history. Inspired by the trademarks of classic 80s heavy metal - like skyscraper guitar solos, bludgeoning, raspy vocals and screams, and fast paced drums - Burning Witches unleash a searing attack once more with their fifth studio album and Napalm Records debut, The Dark Tower, out May 5. Fasten your broom’s seatbelt for this wild and fiery ride.


Behold. The cauldron bubbles and churns, as the Burning Witches conjure up their spellbinding album, crowned by the title track "The Dark Tower". Prepare to be entranced as commanding guitar riffs seize your senses, but it's the potent vocals that truly captivate - especially the mesmerizing chorus that beckons you to join with the coven. Yet, this is but a mere glimpse into the magic that the witches have weaved. Many more freshly brewed incantations are primed and ready to be unleashed upon those brave enough to listen to The Dark Tower.


Burning Witches on their single “The Dark Tower”: "Wow that was quick, right? Album No5 is already done and we are back with the brand-new single ‘The Dark Tower’. The title track of the new record will fit perfectly into our set list with its relentless beat, the truly epic riffs and the striking but melodic vocals. The theme of Elizabeth Bathory and her infamous ‘blood countess’ reputation was a fantastic inspiration for a breathtaking video clip. We all could relate to the story and its creepy saga and knew from the beginning, it would be a new highlight in the Witches history. Last but not least, we want to thank the fans that supported us here and played the extras, in this very emotional and creepy little ride. Enjoy the clip.”





Burning Witches set the world ablaze, ushering in a new wave of heavy metal. On fifteen energetic tracks, Burning Witches ring the bells for a midnight mass in smoky-warm bars. Opening with “Unleash The Beast”, roaring, dueling guitars battle each other with top-notch, fast-paced performances while the energy of the song rises to its climax when the sharp voice of singer Laura Guldemond combines with powerful harmonies. “World On Fire” first gets the listener’s pulse pumping with the rising tension of flashy guitar work, before melodic six-string solos unite with unbeatable guitar onslaughts and sophisticated drum attacks - underlining conjuring vocal lines that call out for an evening zombie dance. Restless and intense, the fierce women of Burning Witches shred their instruments on The Dark Tower like no other, but with the soft mid-tempo track “Tomorrow”, the witches settle down to gather their strength for just a moment. Bittersweet melodies float up to the sky like weightless feathers, carrying a message of five confident women. Ready again to gradually increase the tempo, “Heart Of Ice” and “Arrow Of Time” ensnare with extravagant guitar tapping and heroic vocals by Laura, while “The Lost Souls” merges devilish staccato and legato riffs, creating an ominous atmosphere amid the bewitching screams of the five Swiss enchantresses. With their new studio album, Burning Witches not only bring back the glory days of heavy metal, but push it beyond - trapping the soul of each listener with energetic performances on The Dark Tower.





The Dark Tower will be available in the following formats:


- Wooden Box Edition: Digisleeve, Bonus CD Cardboard Sleeve, Bonus 7" Vinyl in Black & Logo Beanie
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in White Red Blue Splatter with Logo Patch & Cover Art Slipmat (strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Marbled Blue Black – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Transparent Red – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Crystal Clear – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Picture  – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 100 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Black – D-Side Logo Etching
- 6 Page Digisleeve Patch & Signed Booklet (GSA exclusive, strictly limited to 300 copies)
- 6 Page Digisleeve & Shirt
- 6 Page Digisleeve
- Tape Edition - Red with white print
- Full Digital Album


Pre-order here.





The Dark Tower tracklisting:


"Rise Of Darkness"
"Unleash The Beast"
"Renegade"
"Evil Witch"
"World On Fire"
"Tomorrow"
"House Of Blood"
"The Dark Tower"
"Heart Of Ice"
"Arrow Of Time"
"Doomed To Die"
"Into The Unknown"
"The Lost Souls"


 

Sabaton guitarist / Majestica frontman Tommy Johansson has shared his weekly solo cover song and video, this time taking on ABBA's "One Of Us". The song is taken from the group's 1981 album, The Visitors.





In the Party Like A Rockstar Podcast clip below, Skid Row guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo weighs in on Johansson's cover of the band's classic, "18 And Life". Go to the 2:17 mark for the beginning of the song.

Fantasy symphonic power metal band France's Avaland are sharing their next music video "Kingslayer" in support of their upcoming sophomore full-length The Legend Of The Storyteller due out on March 31st, 2023 via Rockshots Records to follow their 2021 debut Theater Of Sorcery.


The band comments:


"This one was directly felt as a potential single by the band. Lucas made incredible work on the guitars on this song. The riffs are groovy and the chorus is a real hook. And no, it’s not a song about Jamie Lannister haha! But the question, here, is: Where is the good? Where is the evil?"




In addition to the album's upcoming unveiling, the band will be supporting Rhapsody of Fire in the Netherlands and Belgium tour dates on March 10 and 11.


Compared to its predecessor, The Legend Of The Storyteller is heavier and is a much more epic power metal record full of anthems upon anthems for fans to chant to as they are taken on a journey over twelve theatric tracks. The record also hears double vocal duties from Adrien G. Gzagg and Jeff Kanji, along with album guests that include Zak Stevens (Savatage / TSO), Madie (Nightmare / Faith In Agony), Pierre “Cara” Carabalona (Eltharia), Ivan Castelli (Lionsoul), Angèle Macabiès, Jens Ludwig (Edguy) and Bruno Ramos (Sortilège / Manigance).


Lead by Adrien G. Gzagg (autor / composer / lead singer / synths and orchestrations), the album's storyline is aprequel to the band's first album Theater Of Sorcery, as he explains further:


"This album, as the first one, is a journey, a trip out of our world, into the universe of Avaland. We enjoy seeing Avaland as a great saga, as a movie, or series. We feel like listening to Avaland is like watching Game Of Thrones, The Lord Of The Rings, or reading comics, it’s an escape from everyday life. For this album, we took a lot of inspiration from Game Of Thrones and Arthurian Myths. We love fantasy and mythologies and we also find ourselves having a great fascination for alchemy and esoterism. Time is also a great subject, it's mystical… in fact, time will be at the center of this saga. This new opus is showing a heavier and darker atmosphere of Avaland’s theatrical universe. Are you ready to be part of The Legend Of The Storyteller?"


The Legend Of The Storyteller artwork and tracklisting:





"The Vision" 
"Crimson Tyranny" 
"Insurrection" 
"To Be The King" 
"Secret Night" 
"Kingslayer" 
"The Gift" 
"Out Of The Fog" 
"Betrayers" 
"Madness Of The Wise" 
"You’ll Be The Legend" 
"Lies" 
"La Folie Du Sage" (Bonus Track)


"Kingslayer" video:





"Betrayers" video:





"Crimson Tyranny" lyric video:





Pre-save The Legend Of The Storyteller on your favorite digital platform now at this location; or pre-order a physical copy here.

NeverWake starts the 2023 year off with a blast releasing their single cover of Billy Idol’s ‘80s rock anthem “Rebel Yell” for the song’s 40th year anniversary.


"We are very selective on the music we like to cover and this one hit home with us. We pursued this track because not only is it a rock anthem, but it holds a bit of nostalgia for the band. My father is a musician and I grew up watching his band on stage over the years with my jaw on the floor, just awestruck as a kid. He would cover lots of tracks but I always loved when he did Billy Idol. When our former drummer Marcus Giannamore brought his ideas for this rendition to the table it lit a fire inside of me because it brought me back to the days of me watching my dad’s band just kick ass on stage. He was my first inspiration to lead me to what we do today. And we’d love to pass that on," says Johnny DiCarlo.


NeverWake is a haunting sinew of hard rock and metalcore out of Pittsburgh PA. Captivating melodies are entwined with heavy grooves that refuse to leave the mind. Explosive riffs weave their way over a strong foundation. NeverWake has been capturing the minds of listeners worldwide. They have toured the US, played various national festivals, shared the stage with bands such as Falling In Reverse, All That Remains, and many more.




Just recently they have worked with powerhouse musicians such as John Moyer of Disturbed. There are no signs of slowing as the band is on course to release continually throughout the year and tour mid-2023. NeverWake consists of Johnny DiCarlo on lead vocals/lead guitar, George Scott on bass guitar/vocals and Justin Sanford lead guitar/vocals.


NeverWake is currently endorsed by Schecter Guitars, EMG pickups, DR Handmade Strings, and Splawn Amplification. NeverWake is signed to Melodic Revolution Records.

YouTube user Rattmaster86 has shared newly edited footage of Ratt performing live on June 15th, 2017 on the Back For More tour at Aura in Portland, Maine. Original members Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Warren DeMartini (guitars) and Juan Croucier (bass) were part of the line-up. Guitarist Carlos Cavazo and drummer Jimmy Degrasso filled out the band.


Rattmaster86: "This is a fan project I made for all you hardcore Ratt 'n' Rollers. It's from the 2017 tour, which was the last time Warren DeMartini was in the band. I started this project because I wanted to make use of a cool audio bootleg I had of this show. I thought it sounded pretty nice, so I checked to see if there was any footage of this gig on YouTube. Lucky for me there was, and enough to make it worth putting this project together. But unfortunately, two songs didn't have any existing video that I could find, so there's a few audio only parts. Either way, I think the project turned out pretty good, so hopefully you enjoy this show as much as I did making it."


Setlist




Intro
"Wanted Man"
"I'm Insane"
"Dangerous But Worth The Risk"
"Walkin' The Dog" (audio only)
"Way Cool Jr."
"You Think You're Tough"
"In Your Direction"
"Lovin' You's A Dirty Job" (audio only)
"Slip Of The Lip"
"Nobody Rides For Free"
"Lack Of Communication"
"Lay It Down"
"You're in Love"
"Body Talk"
"Back For More"
"Round And Round"





Credits:


Video by Fat Seal, Tom Schurman, Sam Ross
Audio by Massu2
Edited by Rattmaster86


 

Cyhra guitarist Euge Valovirta has launched a new series called In Depth via his YouTube channel, where he recreates a track (without vocals), plays it, and then goes through the production and mix. In the clip below he tackles Extreme's new comeback single,"Rise".










Cyhra, featuring former Amaranthe vocalist Jake E and Kamelot drummer Alex Landenburg, recently released a new single, "Ready To Rumble". Check out the official video below, stream and purchase the song here.


The song will appear on the band's new studio album, due to be released in 2023.

Genesis Publications has announced that the first-ever anthology of DEF LEPPARD, "Definitely: The Official Story Of Def Leppard", previously announced as a limited-edition release, will also be available as a hardback edition from all good bookstores. Released on May 9 and priced at £35, "Definitely: The Official Story Of Def Leppard" is the ultimate record of DEF LEPPARD's legendary career and is available to order from defleppardbook.com. The book's limited editions became the fastest ever books to sell out in Genesis Publications history, after the Collector's and Deluxe editions were fully subscribed within days of its announcement.

Part memoir, part scrapbook, the wide-ranging narrative from the band chronicles DEF LEPPARD's incredible story through hundreds of photographs where fans can reminiscence on the band recording in various studios, at promo shoots, on tour in planes, trains, cars and Holiday Inns, backstage and, of course, doing what they are best known for — performing their explosive live shows in front of global audiences from 1978 to the present day.

From extensive new text contributions to in-depth archival interviews, every member's voice is present within the book, including Joe Elliott (lead vocals),Rick Savage (bass and vocals),Rick Allen (drums),Phil Collen (guitar and vocals),Vivian Campbell (guitar and vocals),Tony Kenning (drums),Pete Willis (guitar) and Steve Clark (guitar). "Definitely" also features introductions by QUEEN founder and guitar maestro Brian May and renowned journalist and senior editor of Rolling Stone, David Fricke. A longtime friend and champion of the group, May delivered the speech for DEF LEPPARD's induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2019, while Fricke has written about the band from their earliest successes.

With unlimited access to the DEF LEPPARD vault, "Definitely" presents over 1,300 items of memorabilia and photography, spanning four decades of the band's history such as handwritten correspondence, rare vinyl pressings, tour memorabilia, set lists, lyrics, stage clothing, music video storyboards, draft album artwork and press cuttings, including many from the band's early days presented in a wallpaper sample scrapbook compiled by Elliott's mother, Cindy Elliott. Photographs from band members' personal archives and fans across the world are featured alongside those taken by renowned rock photographers such as Ross Halfin, Mick Rock and Anton Corbijn.

Genesis Publications was founded in 1974 in Britain as an independent publishing house true to the arts of printing and craftsmanship. Today, Genesis creates some of the world's most sought-after books for readers in 90 countries, with new authors in 2023, including Paul Weller, Chuck D and Lenny Kravitz.

In May 2022, DEF LEPPARD released its twelfth studio album "Diamond Star Halos". The LP debuted at No. 1 on the Apple and Amazon Music charts. The album also scored a Top 10 debut on North America's Billboard's 200 albums chart, marking the band's eighth Top 10 album of their career, and garnered a No. 1 debut on Billboard's Hard Rock chart. "Diamond Star Halos" had numerous Top 10 chart entries globally, including a Top 5 debut in the U.K. Following the close of their historic 2018 co-headline stadium and arena run in North America, DEF LEPPARD sold in excess of 1,000,000 tickets and the tour grossed over $100,000,000.00, a massive feat in today's touring world. DEF LEPPARD and MÖTLEY CRÜE topped that number yet again with another sold-out North American stadium run in 2022, selling over 1.3 million tickets which grossed a staggering $173,500,000.00. As always, the group keep pushing the boundaries with their electrifying live shows.