L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns has opened up about his new relationship with Orianthi, calling the Australian musician, singer and songwriter "the kindest, most empathetic and loving person".

Earlier today (Thursday, February 16),the 57-year-old Tracii, who was most recently married to a Danish woman, took to his Instagram to share a photo of him and Orianthi, and he included the following message: "Chaos 2022. Divorce, 43 therapy appointments , 5 round trips between LA and Aarhus, recorded 2 albums, spent two weeks on two Kiss Kruises reconnecting with old friends and doing things that would make Satan blush. Maintaining relationships with my two boys that live 5500 miles apart. Played a gig in a bathroom. Trying to be a strong leader for my band while traveling on a bus for 9 weeks and then entertaining audiences night after night where some days were so stressful I don't know how I pulled some of that stuff off but, I did.

"I have some very close Danish friends and American friends that were tremendously supportive and listened to me vent over and over. Those people know who they are and they will never know how much I love them and appreciate them.

"Toward the end of the year I really started to feel normal again. So, starting to feel normal I start talking to Ori before thanksgiving and she immediately got Covid really bad so we were unable to meet in person and our schedules were insane after that so we just had very short conversations and mostly just kept touching base.

"I flew to Denmark for Christmas with my youngest son Ole and those times with him made the bullshit in my mind disappear and we had so much fun and laughter together that it makes all the crap worth it somehow. Anyway, by January 1st I had made a deal with myself that I needed to slow the fuck down and enjoy the freedom of being alive and unattached and let nature dictate 2023. I also decided that day that Ori and I were just gonna be good friends and that I would not pursue her in a romantic capacity and just carry on moving forward and try to make life a bit less complicated. Making plans like that some people would say is gods little joke on humans and that the plans are already made and we just don't know about them.

"So, Ori and I meet shortly after I had already made a decision that it wasn't going anywhere and oops — bam — was wrong. All of the sudden the kindest, most empathetic and loving person enters my life. Reminding me that we are all just human need love. Oh and 'she plays guitar and sings la la la'. Sexy mama #getwhatyoudeserve Damn you're good @iamorianthi".

In the comments section below Tracii's Instagram post, the 38-year-old Orianthi, who was previously in a relationship with former BON JOVI guitarist Richie Sambora, wrote: "You never know what life will bring ! You sweet man ! So happy u are in my life".

L.A. GUNS will release a new studio album, "Black Diamonds", on April 14. This will be the fourth studio album since the much-welcome reunion of the band's core foundation of Guns and singer Phil Lewis. It will follow the well-received studio albums "The Missing Peace", "The Devil You Know" and "Checkered Past", plus the live release "Made In Milan", and a covers EP "Another Xmas In Hell".

L.A. GUNS was formed in 1983 and have sold over six million records, including 1988's "L.A. Guns" and 1990's "Cocked And Loaded", both of which were certified gold. "Cocked And Loaded" contained the hit single "The Ballad Of Jayne" that went to No. 33 on Billboard's Hot 100 and No. 25 on the Mainstream Rock charts. From the mid-'90s to the mid 2000s, L.A. GUNS continued to tour and release new music. Following their successful performance at SiriusXM's Hair Nation festival in September 2016, L.A. GUNS went into the studio to record the critically acclaimed "The Missing Peace", which was the highest-selling release for Frontiers Music Srl in 2017. Their 12th album, "The Devil You Know", was released in 2019 to the same critical acclaim.

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Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen has checked in with the following update:


"First look at the stunning gatefold design for Paragon on vinyl! My team and I have poured our hearts into creating a high-quality product that I'm incredibly proud of. And for all the vinyl fans out there, the deluxe box will feature an exclusive color that you won't find anywhere else."







Jansen will release her debut solo album, Paragon, on March 24th. This album showcases Jansen's impressive vocal range and powerful voice on a diverse collection of pop-infused tracks and emotional ballads influenced by the sounds of her career. Paragon has something for everyone and is a must-listen for fans of Jansen.


Says Floor: "‘Look at me now, I’m already there!' To renew yourself and take leaps into the unknown makes you grow. To age is a gift not everyone gets. I am a fortunate woman who got to make an album I never knew I could make. One that even defines me, where I am on my path. I have reached my PARAGON! I am so proud of this work! And grateful for all the amazing people in this beautiful life that helped me get here!"


With its mix of influences and powerful vocal performances, Paragon is an album that will appeal to fans of pop music and metal alike. It's the perfect addition to any music collection, and a must-have for fans of Floor Jansen and Nightwish.


Paragon will be released digitally and physically on CD, vinyl, and a limited edition deluxe box set. The album will be available on all major streaming platforms and at music retailers worldwide. You can pre-order/pre-save the album here.





Tracklisting:


"My Paragon"
"Daydream"
"Invincible"
"Hope"
"Come Full Circle"
"Storm"
"Me Without You"
"The Calm"
"Armoured Wings"
"Fire"


"Me Without You" video:





"Storm" video:





"Fire" video:





"Invincible"





Following the release, Jansen will embark on a tour of The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in April and May of 2023. Fans can expect to hear more details and possibly some sneak previews of the album in the coming months.

Longstanding Brazilian death / thrash metal trio Claustrofobia, formed in 1994 by brothers Marcus and Caio D'Angelo, boasts of a career spanning nearly three decades, a discography comprising six full-length albums and a DVD release, a multitude of international tours, high-profile live performances sharing stages with the likes of Iron Maiden, Slayer and Anthrax ... and countless fans all over the world.


Now headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Claustrofobia has released their seventh full-length studio álbum Unleeched, and to promote the new work, they debut the music video for the disc's opening track “Stronger Than Faith''.


About the song, vocalist / guitarist Marcus D’Angelo says: “Undeniably it's the most powerful song on the album, I love the Brazilian flavor  into the traditional thrash/death riffs, and this becomes more evident when the drumming attacks the song in connection with the bass."







“Faith is a word misrepresented by world society, always confused and/or associated with religion. We have to believe in our steps regardless of the unknown future, but it's not enough to just have faith, we must have devotion to sacrifice, be a volunteer in the battle to conquer, tame your own demons that chase us as if it's centurie's darkest cult.”


Made entirely in DIY style, this video is filmed on the Nelson Ghost Town at the historical Techatticup Mine and directed and edited by drummer Caio D’Angelo. It's the oldest, richest and most famous gold mine in Southern Nevada - U.S.A. All promotional photos were taken in Nelson Ghost Town, and the intro of the album has the sound of an abandoned piano that was also filmed in front of a chapel in Nelson.


“Shooting the music video for this track in the same location was a unanimous choice within the band. That place has an incredible and strong energy,” said Marcus D’Angelo.


Produced by Adair Daufembach and Claustrofobia, and recorded, mixed and mastered by Adair Daufembach in August 2020 at Northwood Sound Studio in Los Angeles, Unleeched was released by Metal Assault Records in March 2022 on digital and physical formats.


Unleeched artwork and tracklisting:





"Stronger Than Faith" 
"The Encrypted" 
"Neuro Massacre" 
"Psychosapiens" 
"Corrupted Self" - feat. Marc Rizzo 
"Unleeched" 
"Snake Head"
"Crawling Back To Yourself" 
"2020 (March To Glory)" 


"Neuro Massacre" video:





"Corrupted Self" lyric video:





(Photo: Helena Mestriner)


 

As part of Jonathan Montenegro's "My 3 Questions To" series, veteran drummer Gene Hoglan (TESTAMENT, DARK ANGEL, DETHKLOK, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) discussed his time in the pioneering metal band DEATH, with whom he played from 1993 to 1995. Speaking about DEATH's mastermind Chuck Schuldiner, Gene said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Chuck was, at heart, a very… He was a very peaceful person. He loved animals. He loved gardening. [He was] not a big fan of people or the music industry, but he liked his friends; he liked his animals. That was Chuck. As well as being one of the godfathers of death metal. He was a great chef as well. There you go. He was a great cook. Boy, he cooked us up a bunch of amazing stuff when we spent those few years together. So that was pretty cool. His legacy will always live on.

"Myself and [fellow former DEATH members] Bobby Koelble and Steve DiGiorgio, we have [the tribute band] DEATH TO ALL going, and we start a DEATH TO ALL run starting next week here in the States. So, there you go there. And it's always a super blast to play Chuck's material and make it sound cool."

Hoglan previously reflected on his time with DEATH in a 2019 interview with Andrew McKaysmith of the "Scars And Guitars" podcast. At the time, the drummer said: "Chuck was very open-minded, and he was into having his musicians that were playing with him just reach out for the best stuff that they had. Every time I'd come up with some crazy beat, he'd be like, ' I'm good. I can play my riffs over your beats, so if that's the one you want, go with it. Go sick; go nuts. I'm good over here, so you keep doing your thing.' In that regard, Chuck was always a real pleasure to work with in that way. You had no handcuffing whatsoever — and it was pretty apparent [that] nobody handcuffed me on the drums. I played everything on 'Symbolic'. There definitely is some overplaying, [but] he never said, 'Hey, don't play that,' or, 'That's not working.' The only time I remember anything like that happening was two different times. One was in the 'Individual Thought Patterns' sessions, and that's where [producer] Scott Burns, while I was tracking 'Jealousy', I remember Scott saying, 'Hey, man. I'm not feeling that beat. Maybe can you simplify it?' I was like, 'Yeah, no problem.' Then on 'Symbolic', [producer] Jim Morris had pretty much said the same thing — like, 'I'm not sure about that one.' What was funny was, on the beat that Jim Morris said 'That's not happening,' it was a beat I robbed from Sean Reinert. It was something off of 'Human'... as for Chuck, he was always real gracious, like, 'Yeah, man. Do your thing. It's going to be great.

"Chuck was a pretty complex guy," Hoglan continued. "Some days, certain things would affect him that might not affect you or I... Chuck did not have a lot of trust for the music industry. I understand that — I get that, totally... He was generally real cool to work with, and we had a good time up until he had to make the moves that he had to make in order to keep himself sane. When he had to put DEATH aside after the 'Symbolic' album, he broke DEATH up, and he had to move forward. The best way for Chuck to move forward was the statement that was CONTROL DENIED."

Hoglan also discussed how 1995's "Symbolic" was initially received. "The hardcore death metal fan, the attitude was very pervasive throughout the scene — 'What the fuck happened to DEATH?' Chuck did not care, and I appreciate that absolutely," Hoglan said. "That's the way I am. I play music for me. If you guys enjoy it, that's a bonus, but it's not going to make me stop playing music if nobody cares and I'm the only one who does. I'm still going to play music, and that's kind of the way Chuck was. He was a very brave person. He could have just gone the safe route and put out another 'Scream Bloody Gore' or 'Leprosy'. He had to go with how he was feeling. Any true musician can appreciate that, absolutely."

Hoglan joined DEATH in 1993. He replaced Sean Reinert, who — along with guitarist Paul Masvidal — quit the band to focus on CYNIC. He appears on the group's albums "Individual Thought Patterns" and "Symbolic".

The current lineup of DEATH TO ALL includes Hoglan, DiGiorgio on bass and Koelble on guitar. Max Phelps (CYNIC),who has been touring with DEATH TO ALL, is once again handling the vocal and second-guitar duties.

Schuldiner died on December 13, 2001 after a battle with pontine glioma, a rare type of brain tumor.

In recent years, DEATH's storied catalog has undergone a meticulous reissue campaign via Relapse Records.

Relapse released the first-ever fully authorized DEATH tab book, featuring 21 classic songs tabbed out for guitar from the band's entire discography. The book, which includes traditional notation as well as tablature, also comes with a digital download of all tracks.

Two years ago, NONPOINT launched its independent record label 361 Degrees Records LLC and filmed the process, along with documenting the making of new music, in a docu-series titled "A Path To Independence" that can be seen on the band's YouTube and official web site.

In a new interview with the "Not These Two Fucking Guys Podcast", NONPOINT singer Elias Soriano discussed the group's decision to go it alone, saying: "Well, we've tried it every other way. And it allows, at least for us, the opportunity to move what we feel is as quickly as we'd like to move in the current marketplace and the speed upon which things are getting released and getting decided and connecting the dots together between tour marketing, single marketing — all the depths of everything. It's a big working machine, and when you're working with teams that their goals and their business plans are set in a particular way, sometimes they work against timelines and work against the speed upon which something that you wanna get moving because an opportunity has come around… And when it comes to funding and things like that, getting paperwork signed, getting lawyers to agree, sometimes it's a lot.

"We have a very able team, a team that I've now worked with for over five years, even though we've only been independent for — we're coming on our second year," he explained. "We had the opportunity to try it ourselves, so when we saw that opportunity and we got the confidence from our team that they felt like they could hit all these benchmarks that we needed to get the ball moving, next thing you know, here we are with a few EPs and getting [ready] to get our first full-length out.

"It's a risk — it's a lot of risk that the labels take — and I get it now, especially being independent," Elias admitted. "And it's not always in their best interest to take the kind of risks that we're willing to take with our own band and our own dime. So it's not to any fault of theirs and not to any fault of ours that we made the decision that we made and labels do things the way that they do.

"Independent artists are popping up left and right. Fucking Billie Eilish right now is independent," the singer added. "So any-level artist can do it, because if they can fund themselves… We've gotten to the point where we can do that. So we gave it a swing. And like I said, I've gotta give credit where credit's due — we've got a great team."

A little over a year ago, Soriano told "HRH Metal With Dan Chan" that he missed "the relationships and the friendships" that he made through working with bigger labels — such as MCA, Lava, Geffen, Rocket Science, Razor & Tie and Concord — over the years. "It's fun working with a team that you know everyone around the corner is a professional," he said. "That definitely gives less anxiety. But you see, even the staff, they feel the same kind of restriction. They wanna go harder; they wanna spend more money — you know they want to — but they have people to answer to."

As for how he balances the business and the creative side of being in a band, Elias told "HRH Metal With Dan Chan": "It's not easy but we're doing it, and that's what matters. And the product that's coming out is better than ever. It's a lot of fun. It really is. I'm having fun doing this."

Last week, NONPOINT released a new single, "Heartless", to all major platforms. The song was helmed by Chris Collier, the producer, engineer, mixer, and multi-instrumentalist who has worked with KORN, WHITESNAKE, LYNCH MOB, Mick Mars and many more

NONPOINT will embark on "The Emerald Cities Tour 2023" in March. The trek, which will kick off on March 2 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and conclude on March 26 in San Antonio, Texas, will feature support from BLACKTOP MOJO and SUMO CYCO.

Three months ago, NONPOINT released the official lyric video for its previous single, "Paper Tigers". The song, which was originally made available in September via 361 Degrees Records, was also helmed by Collier.

In December 2021, NONPOINT released its latest EP, "Ruthless". This followed their independent label plan of delivering music to their fans through more frequent releases and videos from the band.

In 2021 alone, NONPOINT's song "Ruthless" reached No. 16 on Billboard's Rock chart and was featured on the New Metal Tracks and Kickass Metal Playlist on Spotify, SiriusXM Octane's Big Uns Countdown, LA Lloyd Top 30 and Loudwire Nights. "Ruthless" was also the featured track on AEW's nationally televised event "Blood And Guts" on TNT in May 2021.

NONPOINT's songs "Bullet With A Name", "Alive And Kicking", "In The Air Tonight", "Circles", "Your Signs", "Everybody Down" and many others have been featured in trailers, hit movies, television, iconic video games, as well as broadcasts from NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WWF.

NONPOINT has toured with major acts like DISTURBED, PAPA ROACH, MUDVAYNE and SEVENDUST, to name a few. They have also been featured on the main stages and support stages of iconic festivals like Soundwave, Rock Am Park, Rock Am Ring, Ozzfest, Rock On The Range, Welcome To Rockville and many more.

Parisian power trio Iron Lizards have released an action-packed garage rock interpretation of the classic KISS track "Cold Gin".


The group released their high octane debut album Hungry For Action in 2021, and now they finally return - this time with a KISS tribute filled to the brim with raw energy and dirty licks. Iron Lizards' cover of "Cold Gin" is featured on the compilation album Ssik Action! A High Energy Tribute To The Hottest Band In The World, which will be released on vinyl through Argentinian label Devil's Beat Records in April 2023. The single is available on all digital platforms via Swedish label The Sign Records, who also released Hungry for Action in 2021.







Iron Lizards vocalist / guitarist Elio on the cover:


“When I asked the other members of the band what KISS means to them, they told me they don’t really care about KISS, they just want to be on the compilation to get some chicks! Ha ha, more seriously - I discovered KISS a while ago, with a metalhead friend who knew I really dig '70s hard rock. He told me, you should check ‘em out, you’ll really dig it.


I was thinking, no I don’t think so, I only knew 'I Was Made For Lovin’ You' and only saw a couple of pictures of them on sheet music guitar books and stuff… He gave me the 2CDs, Greatest Hits compilation, and told me to check out the first one with the first albums. I was literally blown away, It was love at first sight! I remember that songs like 'Deuce', 'Strutter', 'Cold Gin', 'She' among others really made an impact on me at that time. Since then I bought all the six first albums on LP and I listen to them regularly, especially the first three albums. It’s no surprise we did a cover of 'Cold Gin'. I really love that song, since the first time I checked them out!


For this cover, we sped it up a bit and added a Stooges / Motörhead vibe to it. I also added guitar solos to make it even more fun to listen to!”





 

STEEL PANTHER guitarist Russ "Satchel" Parrish has weighed in on the fact that PANTERA's surviving members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) have united with guitarist Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) for a world tour under the PANTERA banner.

Anselmo and Brown, along with Wylde and Benante, are headlining a number of major festivals across South America, Asia, North America and Europe and staging some of their own headline concerts. They will also support METALLICA on a massive North American stadium tour in 2023 and 2024.

According to Billboard, the lineup has been given a green light by the estates of the band's founders, drummer Vincent "Vinnie Paul" Abbott and guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, as well as Brown, who in 2021 said Wylde wouldn't tour with PANTERA if a reunion were to happen. It's unclear what changed his mind.

Satchel discussed his views on the PANTERA comeback in an interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I saw PANTERA when they had the original lineup, and it was so ridiculously good that, I'll be honest with you, it's gonna be hard to… It's never gonna be the same, like it was, but I do love Zakk. I'm a huge Zakk Wylde fan, and I'm also a fan of Charlie as well. They're both great players, and I'm sure it's awesome. And what I heard sounded great. It's just you have to go into that knowing it's gonna be a little different."

In December, PANTERA played seven shows in Mexico and South America. The band will next headline the 2023 "comeback" edition of Japan's Loud Park festival. The two-day "limited" event will take place on March 25 at Intex Osaka in Osaka and March 26 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City near Tokyo.

Brown was forced to leave PANTERA's Latin American tour after testing positive for COVID-19. Filling in for him at some of the shows was CATTLE DECAPITATION bassist Derek Engemann, who also plays with Anselmo in both PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS and SCOUR.

Up until his passing, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmo, whom the drummer indirectly blamed for Dimebag's death.

Vinnie Paul and Dimebag co-founded PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTERA were stealing his thoughts.

Vinnie passed away on June 22, 2018 at his other home in Las Vegas at the age of 54. He died of dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart, as well as severe coronary artery disease. His death was the result of chronic weakening of the heart muscle — basically meaning his heart couldn't pump blood as well as a healthy heart.

Former SEPULTURA and current SOULFLY frontman Max Cavalera has once again weighed in on the fact that PANTERA's surviving members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) have united with guitarist Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) for a world tour under the PANTERA banner.

Anselmo and Brown, along with Wylde and Benante, are headlining a number of major festivals across South America, Asia, North America and Europe and staging some of their own headline concerts. They will also support METALLICA on a massive North American stadium tour in 2023 and 2024.

According to Billboard, the lineup has been given a green light by the estates of the band's founders, drummer Vincent "Vinnie Paul" Abbott and guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, as well as Brown, who in 2021 said Wylde wouldn't tour with PANTERA if a reunion were to happen. It's unclear what changed his mind.

Max, who has spent the last few years playing SEPULTURA-centric shows with his brother, former SEPULTURA drummer Igor Cavalera, discussed his views on the PANTERA comeback in an interview with Thomas S. Orwat, Jr. of Rock Interview Series. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "There's two sides for that, right?! It's so tough, because [on] one hand I understand that the fans wanna see it, and you still have somewhat a big part of that band, but you are missing two key elements on the brothers that are irreplaceable, in my eyes. So it's tough. It's really tough."

He continued: "The only thing that maybe… It's a little bit strange that they call it PANTERA. It should be called some kind of tribute to PANTERA — I think. It would have been a little bit more of a tribute to those songs and to that era. Because I don't really think it's PANTERA without the brothers."

Max previously discussed the PANTERA return in an interview last month with the "Appetite For Distortion" podcast. At the time, he said: "I think it's cool that they're doing that. I do something very similar with my brother, where we go out and we play a lot of SEPULTURA albums that the fans really love it and they never got the chance to see it, for one reason or another. And they get to see it with the real drums and the real vocals and the real guitar. So it's the closest you get to the real thing. And PANTERA is the same thing.

"Yeah, I'm friends with all of those guys [in PANTERA]," he continued. "And I've been friends with Phil for many years. I actually thanked him for letting me borrow his guitar player. Mike DeLeon is jamming with us [in SOULFLY]. He plays with [PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE] ILLEGALS, with Phil Anselmo, for many, many years. So I thanked Phil for letting me borrow his guitar player."

Circling back to the PANTERA reformation, Max said: "Yeah, I think it's cool, especially the generation that never got to see it. I was there. I got to see it from the side of the stage every night. It was great… But I'm thinking about people that never got to see it, never got to experience that. For sure, go see it. It's not the original thing, but it's as close you can get from the original thing. It's fucking cool. The music is so powerful, it's so good, it's so cool that it will get through to the people. And I feel that way when I do those things with my brother. When we play those old songs, it connects to the whole audience. And it's a huge tribute.

"It sucks that Dimebag and Vinnie are no longer here, but at the same time, especially if you're a young kid and you grew up loving PANTERA and never got to see it, for sure, go see it, man," he added. "Just be a part of it. It's a unique experience."

Last August, Max spoke about the prospect of Anselmo and Brown reuniting for a PANTERA tour in an interview with Metal Hammer magazine. At the time, he said: "It's a delicate issue, man. On one hand, yes. But then sometimes I think if it was like me and Igor had died and somebody else would carry on without us, I don't know how I feel about that. I'm not sure I would really like it. It's a tough one. At the same time, you know, people want to hear those songs. The fans deserve to hear those songs."

Asked if the PANTERA comeback has made him rethink the possibility of doing a SEPULTURA reunion, Max said: "No. I'm good with what we did and so pleased with the reaction. It's a different thing with us and PANTERA; I'm not sure who founded PANTERA and stuff like that, but SEPULTURA was me and Igor. But if they do it the way we did, as a tribute, well, all right, you know? I think we gave the songs justice, we played them as good as they can be played and people were completely satisfied when they came to see us. At this point in my life, I'm satisfied having one foot in the past playing those old records and another in the future doing stuff like [SOULFLY's new album] 'Totem' and KILLER BE KILLED. I want to experience both sides."

In July 2022, Max told the "Talk Toomey" podcast that it would be "totally cool" if Anselmo and Brown reunited for a PANTERA tour as a tribute to the original albums. Referencing the criticism that has already been leveled at Philip and Rex for touring as PANTERA without the Abbott brothers, Max said: "You kind of can say similar things about our stuff because it's not all the four original guys, but it's as close as you get to that, and it's done really well.

"But, yeah, I'm excited," Max added. "Those [PANTERA] records are so good, they have so many fans, and they should be heard. And rest in peace, Vinnie and Dime, but if it's done right with the right heart on it, hell yeah — I'm totally on board. I think it would be great.

"This new generation, they embrace that stuff. So this music doesn't get outdated. It's not like some stuff that with time just kind of fades out; it's out of fashion. It doesn't happen with this music. So I think all of those records are like that. And, of course, PANTERA is the same vein with 'Far Beyond Driven', 'Cowboys From Hell' — those are some great fucking records, man. People want to hear it. I think it's cool. It should be fun."

In December, PANTERA played seven shows in Mexico and South America. The band will next headline the 2023 "comeback" edition of Japan's Loud Park festival. The two-day "limited" event will take place on March 25 at Intex Osaka in Osaka and March 26 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City near Tokyo.

MACHINE HEAD's Robb Flynn joined ANTHRAX on stage last night (Saturday, February 18) at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California to perform the classic ANTHRAX song "I Am The Law". Video of his appearance can be seen below.

Earlier today, ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian shared a sidestage video of Flynn's appearance, and he wrote in an accompanying message: "I LOVE having another crushing rhythm guitar on stage left. Robb KILLED on Law last night! THRAX HEAD. Thanks brother!!! And thank you Oakland for an incredible show. The Bay Area rules!!! Last show of the tour tonight in Anaheim!"

ANTHRAX and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's latest 24-date tour saw the two bands making stops in all new markets, with both of them playing headline sets. The trek, featuring EXODUS as support, wrapped in Oakland.

Back in 2007, Scott Ian reviewed MACHINE HEAD's then-just-released "The Blackening" album for the Hard 'N Heavy magazine in France. At the time, he wrote in part: "'The Blackening' is a great metal record. From the opening riffs of 'Clenching The Fists of Dissent', you know you're in for brutality.

"I've been listening to the record all the way through over and over again and the strength of the song writing and riffs maintains a depth and intensity that never lulls. The hooks are deep. Like a great book or movie, this record takes you out of your life for an hour to a place of pure unadulterated listening pleasure."

ANTHRAX celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021 with a number of special activities and events. Formed by Ian and bassist Dan Lilker in Queens, New York on July 18, 1981, ANTHRAX was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the East Coast and quickly became regarded as a leader in the genre alongside METALLICA, SLAYER and MEGADETH.

Active over the past five decades, ANTHRAX has released 11 studio albums, been awarded multiple gold and platinum certifications, received six Grammy nominations, toured the world since 1984 playing thousands of shows, including headlining Madison Square Garden and playing Yankee Stadium with the "Big Four".

ANTHRAX's latest album, 2016's "For All Kings", was called by some critics ANTHRAX's strongest album to date. Its arrival followed a five-year period during which the group experienced a rebirth of sorts, beginning with ANTHRAX's inclusion on the "Big Four" tour, and continuing with the release of comeback LP "Worship Music".

MACHINE HEAD has spent the last few months touring in support of its latest album, "Of Kingdom And Crown", which was released in August via Nuclear Blast/Imperium Recordings. The follow-up to 2018's "Catharsis", "Of Kingdom And Crown" includes the three songs that were featured on the 2021 "Arrows In Words From The Sky" single: "Become The Firestorm", "Rotten" and "Arrows In Words From The Sky". Much of the new MACHINE HEAD album was recorded at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California with engineer/producer Zack Ohren.

MACHINE HEAD recruited HAVOK's Reece Alan Scruggs to play second guitar on the "Electric Happy Hour (Live)" fall 2022 tour. Scruggs filled in for MACHINE HEAD's Polish guitarist Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka, who was unable to make the trek due to his touring commitments with his longtime band DECAPITATED.

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Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti, who went public with his prostate cancer battle in February 2022, says that he is in complete remission after receiving radiation.

Earlier today, the 69-year-old guitarist/vocalist took to his Twitter to share a new selfie, and he included the following message: "Just thought I'd update those of you who have been curious about my prostate cancer diagnosis last year, of which I finished treatments for back in July. This morning, I just had a follow up with my oncologist. From his mouth – I am in total remission!"

According to the National Cancer Institute, remission means that the signs and symptoms of the cancer are reduced. Remission can be partial or complete. In a complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. If the patient remains in complete remission for five years or more, some doctors may say that the patient is cured.

Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti, who went public with his prostate cancer battle in February, says that he is feeling "close to normal" after completing his radiation treatments.

Last July, Y&T was forced to cancel its previously announced 2022 European tour in order to allow Meniketti more time to recover from the radiation treatments.

Meniketti discussed his diagnosis and treatment during an appearance on an April 2022 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". Regarding how he found out that he had cancer, he said: "Back in 2018, I hurt my back and was completely out; I mean, I could not play. We had to cancel an entire European tour in the fall, which we do religiously every year. And I'm laying on my back and I'm in amazing pain and it was the first time anything like that had ever happened. But one of the things that I was thinking about while I was laying there is, 'Wow, I haven't had a PSA test,' which is the blood test that you have to screen yourself for possibly having prostate cancer. And I'm really good about getting my yearly exams and everything else, and I realized that I'd skipped a year or two; I think it was the longest I'd ever gone without getting my yearly physical or something. So I thought, 'Okay, well, I'd better get back on [track] here.' And I went and I had my PSA test and it came back high. It was over the average… It's like zero to four, anything in that range you're okay, and I was over that by a little bit; I was like 5.3 or something. So I went in to see my urologist, and he said, 'All right, we're gonna have to take a biopsy. And we'll just do a simple one in the office and we'll basically send that biopsy off and see what's happening.' Well, it came back negative. But then he said… A couple of weeks later, I was all, 'Okay. Great.' And then a couple of weeks later, he goes, 'Well, I sent that same biopsy to this other lab that does this type of thing…' And I can't remember what it is, but basically they look at the biopsy and they figure out whether or not maybe he just missed the area where it really was. I mean, the prostate's not very big, but if you're taking 12 little samples of it, snippets of it, you could very well miss the actual area where if there was cancer, if it was there or not. And so that came back as a 47 percent chance or more that I did still have cancer but they just missed it. So he said, 'So here's what we're gonna do. We're just gonna watch. We're gonna have you take a PSA test every six months, and we're gonna watch it.' And it went down a little bit the next time, and then it went up, but it wasn't much more different than where it was the first time it was up. And so we just watched it and watched it. And I kept asking, I go, 'Well, I'm still over.' He goes, 'Well, there's a lot of people that can be over that number four and still be okay. It's just a strange thing; some people just live with a higher number. But we're just gonna watch it.' And he goes, 'If it spikes up a couple of numbers or something like that, then we're gonna do the next step.' Well, just after December of last year — at the end of the holiday — I went in about December 30th or so and had my PSA and it was 6.25. And I said, 'Okay, this is getting scary.' And I went back to him and he said, 'All right. We're gonna do the next step,' which is take an MRI, a prostate MRI, which literally takes thousands of slices of pictures of your prostate, so they can really tell whether there's something in there. And sure enough, there was. So he said, 'Okay, you have prostate cancer. So now we're gonna take you into the hospital and do another biopsy which is gonna be guided much more clearly, 'cause we know now where this thing is.' And so they took the biopsy, and he said, 'You're lucky.' He goes, 'We've gotten it pretty early here, and your scores are really good.'"

According to Meniketti, he was given "two or three" treatment options for his prostate cancer. "One of them is to just take out the prostate completely, and the other one is to treat it with radiation," he said. "And I opted for the second because there are potentially more problems with taking it out at my age. When you're younger, it's not nearly as big of a deal, but there's more problems potentially, like I say. And the outcome for both is exactly the same. So it's, like, 'I'm gonna deal with this.' So [my wife] Jill and I researched it in detail online, we talked to, of course, my urologist and then met the oncologist that would get involved with this decision. And they all said exactly the same thing, that we had been researching and hearing from other cancer survivors and such, that if you do this particular two-stage process, you've got as good of an outcome as taking out the prostate completely. So I indeed opted for that. And it's basically they insert these radioactive seeds called brachytherapy, and they put it straight into the prostate and they put about 30 or 40 of them in there and they do about 70 percent of the work at killing the cancer. And they just stay there forever, but they have about a six-month amount of putting out full radiation and then after that they pretty much die off."

Dave concluded by saying that while prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, with one in eight men getting it, it is also one of the most treatable, with a survival rate of over 90 percent after 10 years. "This is one of those cancers, if you catch 'em early, you can be one hundred percent fixed — it's over; it's done; you're sorted," he said. "I mean, sure, it could come back at some point, but even if it does, they can treat it again. You usually outlive this cancer, if you get it early enough. So, luckily, I have gotten it early enough."

Meniketti is the only surviving member of the Y&T lineup — then known as YESTERDAY AND TODAY — that recorded the band's self-titled debut album.

Original Y&T rhythm guitarist Joey Alves died in March 2017 at the age of 63. Two founding Y&T musicians — Haze, 61, and Kennemore, 57, who both had left the lineup — died from complications of lung cancer: Kennemore on January 7, 2011, and Haze on September 11, 2016.

Y&T's current lineup is rounded out by guitarist John Nymann, drummer Mike Vanderhule and bassist Aaron Leigh.

The iconic Bay Area rockers' latest studio album, "Facemelter", came out in May 2010 via Frontiers.
Just thought I’d update those of you who have been curious about my prostate cancer diagnosis last year, of which I finished treatments for back in July.

This morning, I just had a follow up with my oncologist. From his mouth – I am in total remission!

Cheers
- Dave pic.twitter.com/GVZj8BCvNz

— Y&T (@YandTRocks) February 20, 2023

THE WINERY DOGS drummer Mike Portnoy spoke to Darren Paltrowitz, host of the "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz", about the band's decision to release its third album "III", via its Three Dog Music label (via Burnside Distribution/The Orchard). He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, this new WINERY DOGS album is actually the first time I've ever worked without a label, to be honest. 'Cause everything else I do, most of them are with InsideOut Music. SONS OF APOLLO, TRANSLATLANTIC, LIQUID TENSION [EXPERIMENT], the stuff I do with Neal Morse, that's all with InsideOut. And THE WINERY DOGS' first two albums even were with Loud & Proud, who have since folded. So, here we are finding ourselves in a situation, in 2023, where you really need labels less and less. And this new album is my personal first experience working without a label. I think [THE WINERY DOGS — guitarist/vocalist] Richie's [Kotzen] done his solo albums this way and suggested maybe we do THE WINERY DOGS one this way.

"I guess it's kind of where we're at," Portnoy continued. "You don't really need a label to get your music out there. As long as you have a distributor and a publicist, you could do the artwork yourself or the people you work with, and it's all about social media these days. Most of the labels are relying on us, the artists, to promote their records these days. I've seen it happen with labels; I've seen it happen with concert promoters. They're relying on the artists' social media to get the word out more than they're doing it themselves. So I think that's kind of where we're going. It's kind of refreshing, to be honest. It puts a little more pressure on us to be doing a lot of the legwork, but we reap the benefits from it. We're no longer at the mercy of a label.

"When I was starting out with DREAM THEATER in the '80s and '90s, you couldn't do anything unless you had a record deal," Mike recalled. "You couldn't go into a recording studio and make a record and get a video out unless you had a record company. But times have changed so much since then. Now, as long as you have a YouTube account or Instagram account, you could put your own music on to Spotify or iTunes or whatever, you can have total control over your music, which is a good thing, I guess."

THE WINERY DOGS is the powerhouse trio consisting of Kotzen, Portnoy and bassist Billy Sheehan

"III" arrived on February 3. Following in the footsteps of their first two albums, "III" was once again produced by THE WINERY DOGS and mixed by longtime band associate Jay Ruston.

"III" is the follow-up to the band's critically acclaimed and Billboard-charting album "Hot Streak", which was released October 2, 2015 on Loud & Proud Records via RED (a division of Sony Music Entertainment). After landing in the Top Five on many of Amazon's pre-order charts, including No. 1 on the Amazon BestSellers/Hard Rock chart and No. 1 on the Amazon Pre-Orders/Hard Rock Albums charts, it sold 30% more than their 2013 self-titled debut, landing them on various Billboard album charts including No. 2 on "Top Current Alternative Albums," No. 5 on "Top Current Hard Music" and "Top Hard Music Albums," No. 6 on "Top Current Rock Albums" and "Album Core / Genre Rock," No. 15 "Top Current Physical Albums," No. 16 "Top Current Albums," and No. 30 on the "Top 200 Albums" chart.

Upon its release, "Hot Streak" racked up rave reviews. Allmusic.com hailed, "'Hot Streak' is the trio's second album, and its loose, friendly feel shows that the trio doesn't feel compelled to rely on instrumental pyrotechnics. The bluesy, soulful 'Think it Over' would appeal to those who admire THE ALLMAN BROTHERS, while 'Captain Love' shows that the band also has some hard rock energy to unleash, and the title track lets fly some of the technical proficiency that its members are known for." And GuitarInternational.com praised, "'Hot Streak' picks up where their debut CD left off, but showcases the band coming into their own with straight-ahead rockers like 'Oblivion', 'Captain Love' and 'Devil You Know'."

In a new interview with Australia's Silver Tiger Media, ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott was asked about the different ways in which heavy metal can be inserted more into the popular culture. He responded in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I don't spend any time at all thinking about that kind of stuff. For me, it's all just about the metal, the community, really, and the writing of the songs, the recording, the producing and playing the shows and playing the guitar. I don't really think about the marketing aspect of it at all, really.

"It seems to change all the time now, how to get music into the ears and hearts of the fans. And we have good people working with us on that as well.

"I'm one of the lucky ones; I'm not doing it all by myself anymore," he continued. "For many years I was, but now I'm not. We're at a point now where it's more just saying yes or no to ideas that come in. So I don't really have a lot of input about that… And in a way, I don't think it's that important.

"I think metal should be underground," Amott added. "I don't want it in the mainstream, really — not too much. This is an alternative to the mainstream; it's an alternative to all that very premeditated, cynical approach to music. I mean, this is something that's from the heart and soul, and I want it to stay that way."

ARCH ENEMY released its latest record, "Deceivers", last year to critical acclaim.

Earlier this month, ARCH ENEMY returned to the road, touring the world in support of "Deceivers". The quintet is first appearing in New Zealand and Australia before heading to Japan. This summer, fans will have the chance to catch ARCH ENEMY at the biggest festivals across Europe.

ARCH ENEMY played its first post-pandemic show at the opening date of "The North American Siege 2022" tour with BEHEMOTH and NAPALM DEATH on April 16, 2022 at The Marquee in Tempe, Arizona.

Amott previously stated about "Deceivers": "Having just celebrated our 25th anniversary as a group and now releasing our 11th studio album, one could easily assume that we would be cruising along and going through the motions at this point. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to ARCH ENEMY and our new album, 'Deceivers'.

"It is, without a doubt, always a challenge to raise the bar each time in both the songwriting and production side of things, and it can feel a bit daunting before we get into it. But once we do get started and fully immerse ourselves in the creative process, it's really like there is nothing else in the world and we are very focused. And believe it or not, for the most part, we have a ton of fun making this music! Creating 'Deceivers' was no different. Once again we shut out the outside world and went deep into the artistic zone. I believe we pulled out some really interesting musical and lyrical themes this time, a few things might even raise an eyebrow or two — while retaining all the signature elements of the band. In the end, it's ARCH ENEMY at full speed and power."

In a new interview with FaceCulture, DELAIN founder, songwriter and keyboardist Martijn Westerholt spoke about the differences in the singing approach of the band's new frontwoman Diana Leah and that of her predecessor, Charlotte Wessels. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, first of all, [Diana's] voice. I like her character. [She has] so much control, so much control… It's also a very friendly voice. And [when I first heard her singing], I could imagine that on DELAIN music. And then I got back the material later, and I was actually astonished and surprised how much it fitted. [Someone said] she has a very similar voice to Charlotte, and partially I totally agree with that; there are some characteristics that are similar. But I also think that people didn't… We have released three singles [with Diana so far], and [people] have not heard her complete capacity in singing. She's very good with soft versus power, [the] contrast [between the two]."

Elaborating on what sets the two vocalists apart, Martijn said: "Charlotte is more rough, which gives Charlotte a lot of character. It's a more rough voice, and that's not a negative thing; no, on the contrary, that gives it a certain quality and character. Diana is more refined. And that makes it different. So I'm totally not saying that, 'Oh, this one is better' or 'That one is better' — no — but it is different. And, of course, indeed, there are also similarities."

DELAIN's first album with Leah, "Dark Waters", arrived on February 10 via Napalm Records.

In addition to Westerholt and Leah, the band's current lineup includes original guitarist Ronald Landa and drummer Sander Zoer, along with bassist Ludovico Cioffi.

The new DELAIN lineup made its official live debut last August at the Riverside festival in Aarburg, Switzerland.

Regarding how she joined the long-running Dutch metal act, Leah previously said: "It's really simple, actually. I knew they were looking for a singer so I just left a comment on their Instagram page. So a couple of days later I received an e-mail from Martijn, and we talked a bit about how I could audition and he sent me some material that I could sing on. And the rest is history."

Asked how she decided to sing in a metal band, the 32-year-old Diana said: "Well, I've always wanted to sing in a metal band. It was really my desire to do it. In fact, I did sing in a couple of rock bands, but it wasn't really heavy music, which I loved at the time. It was really hard to find the right people to form a band with and also to get along together and all that. But I've always wanted to be in a metal band. Always."

Leah also talked a bit about her background, saying: "I was born in Romania, in a city called Alba Iulia. It's in the middle of Transylvania. And then I moved to Italy when I was 15, and I lived in Italy for, I think, 10 years or something. And then I moved to Canada, in Ottawa, and I lived there for five years. And then I came back to Italy. And now I currently live in Italy, near Torino, so up north."

In February 2021, Westerholt announced the dissolution of DELAIN's previous lineup. At the time, he explained: "For the last year or so, the collaboration within the band ceased to work as well as it once had. Some of us were no longer happy with the current roles in the band. We all tried very hard to find a solution for over a year, but sadly we were unable to find one. As a result, we will all be going our own ways and pursuing our own endeavors."

Wessels said about her departure: "I know that you might have questions about the 'why' in all of this. I fully understand and respect that. Simply put, it is the sad conclusion of more than a year of trying to find solutions to built up grievances. Part of me feels like I'm letting all of you down, I'd like you to know that this decision was not taken lightly and I apologize to those of you who had high hopes of seeing all of us together live on stage again after lockdown. Until recently, I thought this might still be in the cards for us as well."

In September 2022, Charlotte was asked in an interview with Spain's The Metal Circus TV how she felt about the fact that DELAIN recently made a comeback with a new lineup. Wessels said: "I'm trying not to engage with it too much, honestly. I've seen positive responses about it, which I think is good. But I do try to keep some distance and just focus on what I'm doing rather than checking that out, because I still don't feel like that will make me happier per se."

DELAIN's sixth full-length album, the Westerholt-produced "Apocalypse & Chill", was released in February 2020 via Napalm Records.

San Francisco Bay Area thrashers VIO-LENCE have recruited Adrian Aguilar (EXMORTUS) to play drums for the band following the departure of Perry Strickland.

Aguilar will make his live debut with VIO-LENCE this Saturday, February 25 at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California.

VIO-LENCE has also announced that guitarist Phil Demmel will be unable to make the group's shows in Asia, Australia and New Zealand in early March and will be temporarily replaced by Miles Dimitri Baker (VOIDBRINGER, INTERLOPER, ex-RINGS OF SATURN).

The rest of VIO-LENCE's current lineup includes singer Sean Killian, former FEAR FACTORY, bassist Christian Olde Wolbers and guitarist Ira Black (VICIOUS RUMORS, HEATHEN, METAL CHURCH).

Notably, VIO-LENCE's shows in Asia, Australia and New Zealand will feature only Killian from the lineup that played its first comeback gig in April 2019 at the Oakland Metro in Oakland, California. The VIO-LENCE lineup that appeared at the Metro consisted of Killian, Demmel, Strickland, bassist Deen Dell and guitarist Ray Vegas.

Strickland confirmed his departure from VIO-LENCE earlier this month by sharing a video of him performing with the band and captioning it: "I'll Miss playing these songs !" After one fan asked Perry in the comments to clarify whether he has in fact exited the group, Strickland responded: "yes about a month ago".

Among the people reacting to Strickland's announcement was former OVERKILL and VIO-LENCE guitarist Bobby Gustafson, who wrote: "Good luck with what ever you do in the future. We had some good times finally."

One day after BLABBERMOUTH.NET posted a story about Strickland's exit, VIO-LENCE took to Instagram to share a posted for the band's upcoming Asian tour dates and captioned it: "Nobody quit Vio-Lence!!! #blabbermouth". When one fan responded, "Perry says different!", the VIO-LENCE account doubled down with: "like I said nobody QUIT Vio-Lence." Another fan wrote "Well he did" in reference to Perry "quitting" VIO-LENCE, to which VIO-LENCE responded: "No he didn't he is no longer in the band."

Gustafson joined VIO-LENCE in January 2020 as the replacement for Vegas but announced his departure from the band last October. At the time, VIO-LENCE cited "logistical difficulties that weigh too heavy to function in a productive manner" as the reason for the split with Bobby.

In March 2022, VIO-LENCE released a new EP, "Let The World Burn", via Metal Blade Records. The five-song collection, VIO-LENCE's first original release since 1993's "Nothing To Gain", was tracked at Trident Studios in Pacheco, California by Juan Urteaga (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS),mixed by Tue Madsen (DARK TRANQUILLITY, HEAVEN SHALL BURN) and mastered by Ted Jensen (ALICE IN CHAINS, DEATH ANGEL).

Formed in 1985, VIO-LENCE helped define and refine what came to be known as the Bay Area sound, dropping three seminal albums before splitting in 1993. Leaving behind a heady legacy, they reformed briefly a couple of times in the intervening years before becoming a full-time going concern once more in 2019. After playing a string of successful shows, the quintet started to think about new music and delivered "Let The World Burn", showcasing their first new material in 29 years.

VIO-LENCE's recording lineup on "Let The World Burn" consisted of Gustafson, Demmel, Killian and Strickland along with Olde Wolbers.

VIO-LENCE reunited soon after Demmel left MACHINE HEAD in late 2018.

Demmel was in MACHINE HEAD for nearly 16 years, during which time he played on five of the group's studio albums: "Through The Ashes Of Empires" (2003),"The Blackening" (2007),"Unto The Locust" (2011),"Bloodstone & Diamonds" (2014) and "Catharsis" (2018).

VIO-LENCE played its first show with Black in August 2022 at the Brutal Assault festival in Jaromer, Czech Republic.

Black, who grew up in the Bay Area and previously played with VICIOUS RUMORS, HEATHEN and METAL CHURCH, filled in for Demmel, who was on the road at the time with LAMB OF GOD as the temporary replacement for Willie Adler.

Although MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn was part of VIO-LENCE's classic incarnation and played on the band's debut album, "Eternal Nightmare", he wasn't approached about taking part in the band's reunion.

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Queen recently launched the new video series, “Queen The Greatest: Live”, a year-long celebration of Queen Live. A 50-week YouTube series going behind the scenes to reveal what goes into creating a Queen show featuring moments from iconic performances and demonstrating why the band is regarded as the ultimate live act. The latest episode can be found below.


A message states: "Opening with a bang! Brian and Roger reveal the thinking behind the spectacular openings to Queen shows, and the legends who inspired them in the band's early days."







In an extensive interview with Guitar World,  Queen guitarist Brian May reflects on his career highs and lows, songwriting with late vocalist Freddie Mercury, and 50 years of trailblazing guitar playing.


During the chat, May was asked if there could ever be a Queen studio album with the band's current frontman, Adam Lambert.


“Well, we have been in the studio," says Brian. "We did knock a few ideas around in the middle of one of those tours. But it just never quite reached the place where we felt it was going to be right. So we haven’t pursued it so far. That’s all I can tell you.


“So I really don’t know. But I think there’s a bit of a barrier there. I think if people see Queen on a record label, they still want it to be Freddie singing. It could be Jesus Christ on it, but they’d still want Freddie, and I don’t blame people for that. There are people on Instagram who get annoyed with me: ‘Why are you still carrying on without Freddie?’ And I go, ‘Don’t tell me what to do! I do what I feel that I should be doing.’


“There are people who feel like we shouldn’t even be going on stage without Freddie. But I think that would have been very sad, and it’s not what Freddie would have wanted either. He would have wanted us to continue developing. And of course, because we are continuing and developing, it keeps that legacy alive."


Read the complete interview with Brian at Guitar World.

Former Alice Cooper and current Demi Lovato guitarist Nita Strauss took part in a clinic, question-and-answer session and meet-and-greet on Saturday, February 18 at Guitar Center in Hollywood, California. Video (courtesy of the Clyde Shenefield YouTube channel),as well as photos, can be found below.

This past December, Nita underwent a surgery for a torn meniscus.

Nita's meniscus surgery was overseen by Dr. Michael Banffy, an orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles who is also a team doctor for the Los Angeles Rams. The procedure took place seven months after she first sustained the injury while on the road with Cooper.

Strauss, who has been the in-house guitarist for Los Angeles Rams football games since the team moved to SoFi Stadium in 2020, discussed her operation in a social media post in November. At the time she said in a video message: "Surgery has had to be pushed to the end of the year — after Christmas, after the last Rams game — and then it'll be a full month before I can do anything at all again. So no shows, no performing, no nothing. I'm super disappointed at that; I was hoping to already be on the mend by now. But it is what it is."

In an October 2022 interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station, Nita said that she had "been touring with a torn meniscus since May. So I'm actually not as injury prone as I usually would be, because I'm taking it a little easier," she added. "I have surgery scheduled at the end of this tour, between Rams games and everything else I have going on. So right now I've been playing through the most serious injury I've ever had and really just trying to take care of that, make sure it doesn't get worse before it gets better."

Asked if she had to take cortisone shots in order to deal with the pain while performing on stage in recent months, Nita said: "I've had two. I now can't have any more because it's too close to my surgery date. It's getting tough now, but we're making it through.

"All I can really do is keep it under control," she explained. "It's just the realities of running around on stage for 20 years; every once in a while you're gonna get hurt."

According to the Mayo Clinic, a torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries. Any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, especially when putting your full weight on it, can lead to a torn meniscus.

Nita made her live debut with Demi last July with a performance of Lovato's single "Substance" on ABC's Emmy Award-winning late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!".

Strauss had been playing with Cooper since 2014 when she replaced Australian musician and former Michael Jackson player Orianthi. She joined Alice in time for a mammoth MÖTLEY CRÜE tour. She was recommended to Cooper by the legendary rocker's former bass player and WINGER frontman Kip Winger.

In October, Nita released a new solo single and accompanying music video, "The Wolf You Feed". The track features a guest appearance by Alissa White-Gluz of ARCH ENEMY.

"The Wolf You Feed" was the second song Nita has released featuring a star guest vocalist, the first being the "Dead Inside" which featured guest vocals from DISTURBED's David Draiman and saw Nita become the first ever solo female to have a No. 1 hit at Active Rock radio. She also returned to her instrumental roots last year with the release of single "Summer Storm", a fast-paced, emotive shred-fest.

As well as performing with Cooper, Nita has also played with R&B star Jermaine Jackson, early MTV darlings FEMME FATALE, video game supergroup CRITICAL HIT and popular tribute band THE IRON MAIDENS.

In April 2020, Nita launched "Rock Guitar Fundamentals" — a three-module online guitar teaching program suitable for learners of all levels. The course is available at www.iwanttoplayguitar.com.

Had a great homecoming today at @guitarcenter Hollywood!!! Felt great to get back on stage and jam a little. I planned...

Posted by Nita Strauss on Saturday, February 18, 2023



That's me talking to Nita Strauss!

Posted by Jason Spear on Saturday, February 18, 2023

Nita Strauss and me!

Posted by Jason Spear on Saturday, February 18, 2023

MÖTLEY CRÜE played its third concert with guitarist John 5 Saturday night (February 18) at the 65,000-capacity Foro Sol stadium in Mexico City, Mexico. The show also marked the third date of the band's 2023 "The World Tour" with DEF LEPPARD, following two intimate gigs in Atlantic City, New Jersey a week ago.

MÖTLEY CRÜE's setlist was as follows:

01. Wild Side
02. Shout At The Devil
03. Too Fast For Love
04. Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
05. Saints Of Los Angeles
06. Live Wire
07. Looks That Kill
08. The Dirt (Est. 1981)
09. Rock And Roll, Part 2 / Smokin' In The Boys Room / Helter Skelter / Anarchy In The U.K. / Blitzkrieg Bop
10. Home Sweet Home
11. Dr. Feelgood
12. Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)
13. Girls, Girls, Girls
14. Primal Scream
15. Kickstart My Heart

Fan-filmed video can be seen below.

MÖTLEY CRÜE held its first rehearsal with the former ROB ZOMBIE and MARILYN MANSON guitarist on January 23 in preparation for the band's shows with DEF LEPPARD. A short time later, MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx took to his Twitter to write: "Well that was fucking epic.

"@john5guitarist walks into rehearsal and we just rip the set from top to bottom seamlessly. That took 90 minute's and then the next few hours we just laughed and told dumb rockstar war stories.

"@MotleyCrue DAY 1".

He followed that up with an Instagram Story post thanking the band's crew and gushing that "today sounded insane."

John 5 joined CRÜE as the replacement for founding guitarist Mick Mars, who announced last October he would no longer tour with the legendary rock act because of his long struggles with degenerative disease ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spine joints and ligaments and can lead to stiffness over time, according to the National Institute Of Arthritis And Musculoskeletal And Skin Diseases.

In October, Sixx praised John 5, saying he "checks all the boxes" as Mars's replacement following the latter's decision to retire from touring. Sixx commented on John 5's addition to CRÜE while answering fan questions on Twitter. Asked why the band chose John 5, who is one of the credited co-writers on the three original songs on CRÜE's "The Dirt" soundtrack, Sixx said: "He checks all the boxes. He's a insane player. Has respect for our music, is funny as fuck and has history with us and we've written some pretty big hits together."

Sixx also addressed Mars's announcement that he was retiring from touring, saying: "He's been a soldier along with us for 4 decades. We will continue to carrying our legacy to Generations of fans and honor Micks request for us to keep touring as Motley Crue."

In addition to co-writing the three songs on "The Dirt", John 5 collaborated with Sixx and Desmond Child on Meat Loaf's "The Monster Is Loose". In 2021, Sixx and John 5 launched the L.A. RATS supergroup in which they were joined by Rob Zombie and drummer Tommy Clufetos.

The 71-year-old Mars — whose real name is Robert Alan Deal — served as MÖTLEY CRÜE's lead guitarist since the band's inception in 1981.

In his statement, Mick said that he had decided to step back from live shows due to his "ongoing painful struggle" with ankylosing spondylitis and while he will continue to be a member of the band, he cannot "handle the rigors" of touring life.

Speculation about John 5 replacing Mars gained strength after the longtime ROB ZOMBIE guitarist failed to appear with the shock rocker at last year's Aftershock festival in Sacramento. Rob was instead joined on stage by returning guitarist Mike Riggs for the first time since 2006.

MÖTLEY CRÜE's "The Stadium Tour" with DEF LEPPARD, POISON and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS was originally scheduled to take place in the summer of 2020 but ended up being pushed back to 2021, and then to 2022, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After selling more than 1.3 million tickets in 2022, MÖTLEY CRÜE and DEF LEPPARD and are going global in 2023 with their co-headline "The World Tour" along with special guest Alice Cooper. After the launch of European and Latin American dates, additional U.S. shows will take place in August.

Produced by Live Nation, the U.S. leg of the world tour kicks off on August 5 in Syracuse, New York. The bands will bring their electrifying stage shows across America throughout the month of August including being the first-ever show at the H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
¿Ya listos para rockear con todo junto a @DefLeppard & @MotleyCrue? 🤘🏼🔥

Últimos boletos en taquilla del Foro Sol. ¡NOS VEMOS MAÑANA! pic.twitter.com/sgJMSfgI6v

— Ocesa Rock (@ocesa_rock) February 17, 2023

King Crimson founder Robert Fripp and his wife, Toyah Willcox, are back in the kitchen serving up another Sunday Lunch. Check out their take on the Republica hit "Drop Dead Gorgeous" below.





A selection of Robert & Toyah's previous Sunday Lunch videos can be seen below:

Canadian rockers, Headstones, released their latest full-length album, Flight Risk, in October 2022 via Known Accomplice. Now, the band has issued a video for the song "Hotel Room", which appears on Flight Risk.


The clip, which can be seen below, was directed and edited by Eden Munro of NTT Films.







In live news, catch Headstones as part of the 2023 Crew Fest alongside Live, Our Lady Peace, and Bif Naked on July 29th at Lion's Park in Brantford, Ontario. 





Flight Risk is pre-apocalyptic rock and roll at its finest, following up Headstones' 2019 release PeopleSkills, which garnered two Top 10 radio hits with “Leave It All Behind” and “Horses”.


This is one of the most subversive Headstones rock and roll records to date. Flight Risk is the result of years of relentless work ethic and dedication, a testament to the long-standing relationships within the band and their team. The album features a surprise co-write on the track "Ashes", between Hugh Dillon and long-time friend and collaborator Taylor Sheridan; one of the most prolific, premier storytellers of his time, and architect of hit series’ Yellowstone and 1883, Oscar-nominated films Sicario and Hell Or High Water.


The album is available to order / save here.





Tracklisting:


"Headlight Holds A Deer"
"Everything Or Nothing At All"
"Flight Risk"
"When It Goes Badly"
"Tangled"
"Hotel Room"
"Neon Rome"
"Ashes"
"Psychotropic"
"Pilot Light"
"Rink"


"Headlight Holds A Deer" video:





"Everything Or Nothing At All" video:





"Flight Risk" video:





"Tangled" video:





Headstones lineup:


Hugh Dillon – vocals, harmonica
Trent Carr – guitar, vocals
Tim White – bass, vocals
Steve Carr – keys
Jesse Labovitz – drums


 

Firewind guitarist / founder Gus G. has shared a new video from the road, this time a recap from their show in Munich, Germany at Tonhalle on February 11th while on tour with Beast in Black. Filmed and edited by Panagiotis Kountouras.


Firewind's tour schedule and ticket links can be found here.







Gus G. recently released more footage filmed in Thessaloniki, Greece during Firewind’s 20th anniversary tour on October 1, 2022. Watch the band perform "I Am The Anger", from the 2003 album Burning Earth, below:

Sabaton guitarist / Majestica frontman Tommy Johansson has shared his solo power metal cover of Gary Moore's 1989 classic, "After The War". Check it out below.





Check out Johansson's previous Gary Moore covers below.




"Over The Hills And Far Away"


 


"Out In The Fields"

Four weeks after the release of their latest opus At the Heart Of Wintervale, and the successful completion of a European tour just a few days ago, Swedish symphonic power metallers Twilight Force now release their new single “Skyknights Of Aldaria (Orchestral Version)”. The song, which appears as the first bonus track on the new album, is an instrumental version of an album track. 


It also features adjusted balancing and arranging, with a new mix tailored specifically for the orchestral version, giving the song a completely new and unique flair. An epic extension, which slots perfectly into the anthems of the Twilight Kingdoms.







Twilight Force comments:


"Greetings traveler! Twilight Force has now returned to our abodes after a successful and magically glorious tour! Over the course of more than three weeks, we journeyed far and wide, and experienced triumphant battles in a plethora of kingdoms around the mortal plane! But new adventures already await! We are very happy to announce that we are now releasing the orchestral version of ‘Skyknights Of Aldaria’ upon the digital realm, which will give you a great opportunity to enjoy more details and intricacies in the orchestral arrangements. There are numerous instrumental elements lurking in the periphery of the symphonic soundscapes, and we hope that you will find new and exciting surprises therein. 


“So come, and join the mythic eagle riders on their quest to defeat a nefarious sorcerer. Let us soar through the skies and end the night of a thousand days together!"





At The Heart Of Wintervale consists of 8 captivating tales from far and wide, and will have a running time of approximately 45 minutes. The songs are all stories and legends from the Twilight Kingdoms, gathered over years of meticulous research, and will further explore and delve into the vast and magical world of its realms.


At The Heart Of Wintervale is available on CD, Digibook, and Vinyl. The limited Digibook edition will also include three bonus tracks. The first one is a song that many of Twilight Force's loyal knights may somewhat recognize; it is an acoustic blend of some of the older works, featuring an entrancing vocal performance and guitar work byTwilight Force's very own wood elf Aerendir. The second and third bonus tracks are orchestral versions of two songs from the album, where fans will have the opportunity to experience a different soundscape, and perhaps discover new exciting elements and intricacies never discerned before.





At The Heart Of Wintervale tracklisting:


"Twilight Force"
"At The Heart Of Wintervale"
"Dragonborn"
"Highlands Of The Elder Dragon"
"Skyknights Of Aldaria"
"A Familiar Memory"
"Sunlight Knight"
"The Last Crystal Bearer"





At The Heart Of Wintervale digibook tracklisting:


"Twilight Force"
"At The Heart Of Wintervale"
"Dragonborn"
"Highlands Of The Elder Dragon"
"Skyknights Of Aldaria"
"A Familiar Memory"
"Sunlight Knight"
"The Last Crystal Bearer"
"The Sapphire Dragon Of Arcane Might Is Back Again"
"Skyknights Of Aldaria" (orchestral version)
"The Last Crystal Bearer" (orchestral version)


"Sunlight Knight":





"Twilight Force" lyric video:





Twilight Force is:


Allyon - lead and backing vocals
Lynd - lead and rhythm guitars
Born - bass
Blackwald - keyboards and narration
De'Azsh - drums
Aerendir - rhythm and acoustic guitars


(Photo - Fotograf Heléne)

Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of Boston, Massachusetts' Morne, who are adding their brand of crusty and ethereal doom to the label's roster. The band is currently recording a new album with Kurt Ballou (Converge, Cave In, High On Fire) for release in late 2023.


"We are wrapping up the recording session at GodCity Studio with Kurt Ballou in Salem, Massachusetts. This will be our fifth studio album and we are very excited that a legendary label like Metal Blade is releasing it to the universe," comments Morne vocalist Milosz adding that, "music and words for this album were written during stressful and challenging times and life changing moments and I hope people will find something for themselves in this album and enjoy it. I'm very grateful that Metal Blade helped us put it all together."


Metal Blade GmbH Label Manager, Markus Grasseck, had this to say about the signing: "We're very excited to welcome Morne to our Metal Blade family. Being a fan of the band since their Demo 2008, it's a great honor to finally work together for the years to come. The band's unique blend of atmospheric Doom with Crust attitude is unparalleled and we can't wait to get this out to as many people as possible. Brace yourself for their new album due out this fall!"




In other news, Morne will be heading over to Hamburg, Germany to perform at this year's Hell Over Hammaburg Festival in March. More festival details can be found here.


Formed in 2005, Morne blends doom metal and classic British crust but stretches beyond those boundaries, combining a bleak lyrical style with driving riffs. Four studio albums have been released to date with the band currently recording material for their 5th studio album. Their first, Untold Wait, was on Feral Ward Records in 2009 then in 2011, the band signed with Profound Lore Records and released Asylum that same year, followed by Shadows, in 2013. Their latest, To The Night Unknown, was released in September of 2018 on Armageddon Label and the band's own Morne Records. The band has toured the US, Canada and Europe, where they have been part of large festivals such as Roadburn, Hellfest, Quebec Deathfest, Psycho Las Vegas, Into the Void and Blow Up the Gramaphone.


Morne is:


Miłosz Gassan - vocals, guitars
Paul Rajpal - guitars
Morgan Coe - bass
Billy Knockenhauer - drums


(Photo - Hillarie Jason)

Italian power metallers Frozen Crown has released the fourth single taken from the new album, Call Of The North, set to be released on March 10 through Scarlet Records. Check out "Fire In The Sky" below and on Spotify.





Frozen Crown recently checked in with the following update:




"Here we are! Our fourth album, Call Of The North, will be out March 10th! Which song title inspires you the most? Let us know. First single and videoclip out in December! Grab your signed copy right now here.





Tracklist:


"Call Of The North"
"Fire In The Sky"
"Black Heart"
"Victorious"
"In A Moment"
"Legion"
"Until The End"
"Now Or Never"
"One For All"
"Far Away"


This fourth album is going to sound 100% Frozen Crown, melding together elements from our previous three albums, and purposely featuring no guest appearances, to consolidate the band sound while bringing at the same time unseen features (like acoustic ballads and epic choirs) on the table.


Be ready for memorable refrains, heavy downtuned guitar riffs, intricate symphonic parts, and a tense and epic battlefield atmosphere.


Once again produced by Andrea Fusini at Fusix Studio, Call Of The North will be out on Scarlet Records (EU/US) and Marquee Avalon (Japan) and released in digipak CD and in limited edition turquoise and purple vinyl (and, of course, in digital version on all streaming platforms)."


"Victorious"





"Call Of The North"





"Black Heart"

KINGS OF THRASH, the new band featuring former MEGADETH members David Ellefson (bass) and Jeff Young (guitar), kicked off its "Thrashin' USA" 2023 tour last night (Thursday, February 16) at The Forge in Joliet, Illinois. Fan-filmed video can be seen below (courtesy of Charles NaeseYouTube channel).

During a recent appearance on the "Brews & Tunes" podcast, Young confirmed that KINGS OF THRASH is putting the finishing touches on a new original song called "Bridges Burn". "We're hoping to bust that out on tour," the guitarist added, referring to the first leg of a planned 2023 world tour.

According to Young, the seeds for the KINGS OF THRASH original music were planted more than a year ago when he and Ellefson took part in the filming of the upcoming documentary on late MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza. "We had dinner [at the Rainbow in West Hollywood] the night before the Menza documentary filming," Jeff recalled. "We were getting up to leave, and something hit me… It must have been '89. We were demoing a couple of tunes for what became 'Rust In Peace'. There was invitations to contribute to the writing, so David and I were demoing some stuff up on cassette. Unfortunately, I did not save those; I don't know what happened. But two of the riffs really stuck in my head. And I sang 'em in [Ellefson's] ear as we were paying the bill. He was, like, 'Dude, I totally remember those riffs. That's killer. We've gotta get in a room and work that stuff up.' So flash forward a couple of months later, he was back in L.A. I had another song idea that I actually started with a drum beat I had of Nick Menza's, and then I blew it out from there. He and I took those two riffs, demoed them. And a couple of more months went by, he was back out in L.A. again. We got together. And he had a couple of skeletons. And the cool thing about it is we never really had the opportunity to write together — it was so fast and furious back in the day — but now it was like we were finishing each other's sentences. We're more seasoned; we're better musicians; we're better songwriters. We're calmed and there's no ego in the room; there's no toxicity in the room — wink, wink… And we walked out of two writing sessions with four songs."

In October, Young told Ghost Cult magazine that KINGS OF THRASH's first original song was being recorded at a North Hollywood studio previously used by legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix). As for the musical direction of KINGS OF THRASH's original material, Jeff said: "It's got the vibe of MEGADETH — it's on that playing field, but it's got all of its own stuff and all of our influences and some SOUNDGARDEN/TOOL vibes in maybe the music and melodies."

As previously reported, KINGS OF THRASH will release a live CD/DVD package called "Best Of The West…Live At The Whisky A Go Go" on March 24 via Cleopatra Records. The 17-song set, featuring performances of MEGADETH's classic albums "Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!" and "So Far, So Good… So What!", was recorded and filmed live at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California on October 15, 2022 and includes an appearance by another former MEGADETH member, Chris Poland (guitar). The DVD was directed by Michael Sarna for Inmotion Entertainment.

Asked in a recent interview with Ultimate Guitar if he and Ellefson have received any feedback from MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine about their new band or their recent live shows, tour, Young said: "Nah, we couldn't care less… and it's a win-win for him. Because all the publishing, for example, on the 'Best Of The West', he's getting all that money. We're making him money and he doesn't have to do anything. So, we're performing the songs because they're part of our history and the fans want to hear them and we will benefit from that, and so will he, so it's a win-win. How much cooler can anything be than that? So, if he has something to say about it… I wouldn't imagine it would be very objective… not that anything he's ever said has been objective."

Jeff's latest comments echo those he made last year when he told Thomas S. Orwat, Jr. of the Rock Interview Series, Young that he and Ellefson were "really not concerned" about Mustaine's reaction to KINGS OF THRASH. "I don't pay attention," he said. "I haven't really paid attention or followed MEGADETH since, I think, I heard the 'Rust In Peace' album a couple of times, and then what you might hear on the radio or in the press.

"For us, this isn't about any spite or retaliation; it's a celebration of the music that we were all a part of, that we helped create," he explained. "And it's fun for us to do this.

"People said, 'You should do this.' And we said, 'Hey, yeah, you're right. We should do this.' It's a win-win — it's a win for us, and it's a win for [Mustaine], because any performance royalties, anything… If we did include live tracks, he would make money off that. It's promoting albums that hopefully fans will go back and buy, which is putting money right in his pocket. Especially 'Killing Is My Business', I think a lot of people are gonna go back and wanna rediscover that album after this tour.

"For us, it's all about positivity," Young added. "We're all in this moment — we're living in the moment, and we're not looking beyond. We're not reading any of the comments on Blabbermouth or any of the stuff. Because we know what our intent is, and intent is everything. And our intent's positive. We like playing together. We know we're crafting original music. We're not relying on this; we don't need to ride the coattails of this. This is just something that the fans wanted, and you wanna give fans what they want."

Ellefson told Yes! You CAN Play Guitar! that the intention behind KINGS OF THRASH is not to stick it to his former bandmates. "This is a celebration, not a retaliation," he explained. "This is a good moment. This is a happy moment, to celebrate these songs and these tracks and these records. So we go at it with just fun… It's, like, 'Wow. Wouldn't it be fun if we went out and played these records?' And we're doing it. So it's meant to be this celebration and bringing people together. And honestly, that was kind of always my role in MEGADETH. Dave [Mustaine] always called me 'The Ambassador', and I was always that guy, and I am that guy. So it's, like, let me just continue that role in our community and have one of good will."

Ellefson was fired from MEGADETH more than a year and a half ago after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the bassist were posted on Twitter.

David was in MEGADETH from the band's inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest exit.

In 2004, Ellefson filed an $18.5-million lawsuit against Dave Mustaine, alleging the MEGADETH leader shortchanged him on profits and backed out of a deal to turn Megadeth Inc. over to him when the band broke up in 2002. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed and Ellefson rejoined MEGADETH in 2010.

Young's entire career with MEGADETH was spent recording and touring in support of the band's 1988 platinum-selling album "So Far, So Good...So What!"

Jeff made headlines in December 2009 for accusing Mustaine of, among other things, "dissing, exaggerating and just plain lying on some level about nearly every talented musician that has passed through his dysfunctional little ensemble." He also disputed Mustaine's claim in an interview that Young's drug problem led to MEGADETH's 1988 Australian tour being called off and the group being "banned" from performing in the country.

Poland was a member of MEGADETH from 1984 to 1987, during which time he performed on the band's classic albums "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" and "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" He is also a featured soloist on the group's 2004 album, "The System Has Failed".

Back in 2004, Poland and/or his management and attorney filed a lawsuit against Mustaine regarding the use of the three "Rust In Peace" demos on the album's reissue without Chris's permission. Chris eventually settled for $9,500 and thereby ended a professional relationship with Dave and MEGADETH.

For the past couple of decades, Poland's main musical focus has been the fusion band OHM:, which has released several full-length studio albums to date.

KINGS OF THRASH' "Thrashin' USA" will cross the Midwest, East Coast, and southeastern part of the USA through March 15. As with the band's 2022 warm-up shows, the group, which also includes drummer Fred Aching as well as guitarist/vocalist Chaz Leon, will be performing "Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!" and "So Far, So Good… So What!" in their entirety. Support on all shows will come from HATRIOT.

Speaking to Ralph Rasmussen of Radio Bypass about KINGS OF THRASH's recent shows and future plans, Ellefson said: "That was a thing where… Of course everybody knew our names — me, Jeff Young and Chris Poland. We advertised we were gonna play the 'Killing Is My Business' and 'So Far, So Good… So What!' records. And as it turns out, we ended up playing, like, half of 'Peace Sells' too. That's probably the most frickin' muscular setlist I've played since probably [MEGADETH's] 'Rude Awakening' [live album and DVD], when we filmed that in 2001 and I was 20 years younger. So we turned up the gas; there was no screwing around on that one. And it was great. It was super cool. It was super fun. It made me just realize how cool those songs are, how the detail and intricacies… It was a very different era, too. The songs were written under much different pretenses. There was a real innovation in those records, the stuff of the '80s, back then, that we were doing."

He continued: "We picked four cities. We said, 'Let's just go out and fire this off, kind of a proof of concept, show everybody what we've got.' I think the first night, when we played in San Diego, the fans right away got it. They were, like, 'Oh my God. Holy shit. We've been asking for this and wanting this for years. And oh my God. There they really are. Those are really the guys that played on those records. This is it.' And our drummer Fred and our singer Chaz, they got it in their hear as younger guys, so they get it and were excited to be there with us doing it. So, yeah, it really was just a moment in time for that to fire off like that so well. And now as a result, look, we've got live recordings, we've got more stuff coming up here in the New Year for that. So, yeah, that was just the beginning; that was just the first firework we blew off. There's definitely gonna be more after this."

Jeff was full of praise for Aching and Leon, telling Ghost Cult: "We really feel in a way how Ozzy [Osbourne] must have felt introducing Randy Rhoads to the world with these young two guys we have, both half our age and both so composed and mature musically for their age. And we've just been having a blast. And it's great that they're fans of the music and they've really studied it. Chaz, the singer/guitar player, plays in a MEGADETH tribute and fronts a SOUNDGARDEN tribute. So he has some of that Chris Cornell huskiness… So it's really cool to hear him sing these songs with a bit more huskiness and that young exuberance that he has. I think the kids are gonna love him 'cause he has that Dimebag Darrell kind of likability."

Thank You Joliet!!!! 👑 Killer Night 1 at The Forge is now in the books on the Kings of Thrash Thrashin USA Tour!!...

Posted by David Ellefson on Friday, February 17, 2023

Professor Reggie Almeida of the Gracie Barra Brazilian jiu-jitsu school in Spring Hill, Tennessee, who has been traveling with MEGADETH on "The Metal Tour Of The Year", has uploaded a video of guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine and guitarist Kiko Loureiro training with Almeida prior to the band's April 2022 concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In a message accompanying the YouTube release of the video, Almeida wrote: "In Tulsa, we had another great session of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where we practice some self defense and some double attacks from closed guard. In the class, Dave Mustaine and Kiko Loureiro a few hours before show time with 'The Sick, The Dying and the Dead'."

Last October, Mustaine became a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. The 61-year-old guitarist/vocalist was promoted to the new rank almost two years after earning his blue belt.

Brown belt is the highest-ranking color belt below black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Progressing from a beginner white belt through to a brown belt typically requires at least five years of dedicated training.

In a 2007 interview, Mustaine said he started training taekwondo in 1999 in Arizona and then moved to California, where he lived until a few years ago. "Before taking up taekwondo, I practiced kung fu and other martial arts," he said.

Mustaine told The Quietus in 2010 that he had "a first degree in Ukidokan karate. My sensei — Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez — has the style of karate, kung-fu, aikido, judo, ju-jitsu, taekwondo, Greco-Roman wrestling, Muay Thai boxing and American boxing," he said. "So it's all those things rolled into one. It's a nine-style discipline. My second black belt is in Songham taekwondo and I was an assistant instructor in that style, and then I taught it privately for a while."

Mustaine and his family moved to a suburb of Nashville in October 2014 after living in Fallbrook, California for a couple of years.

Epic melodic death metallers Nothgard have shared a new video along with the following message:


"We've been waiting so much for this moment! Our orchestral EP, Symphonia Deorum, is out now! To celebrate the release we've uploaded a music video for the single 'Falling Skies' featuring the amazing Madeleine Liljestam (Eleine). This video - made by René Berthiaume und Jessica Rösch  from Hammer & Tiger Productions -  captures the energy of this beautiful piece perfectly."







The band previously issued the following overview of the new EP:


"Symphonia Deorum is an epic orchestral monument, which we believe goes far beyond a re-release and fits perfectly into this time of the year. The physical release will be a strictly limited (only 500 copies worldwide) and noble mediabook with 32 pages with the musical scores of the songs as notations. We have also prepared two music videos for the release."





Tracklist:


"Elysium"
"Aquila"
"Falling Skies"

Karachi's only thrash metal band, Tabahi, is back with a new single called "Kingpin." The song focuses on the chief manipulator in a group or undertaking who is controlling society with lies and mobs, taking control. With their unique lyrical content, Tabahi stands out as the only band in Pakistan that targets socio-political issues.


The band's name, Tabahi, means "Destruction" in Urdu, and is heavily inspired by legendary Teutonic thrash metal bands such as Destruction, Sodom, Kreator, along with classic '86 Bay Area thrash metal bands, Megadeth, Metallica, Anthrax, and Exodus. The band was formed in 2005 by Faiq Ahmed as the lead guitarist, Daniyal Buksh Soomro as the vocalist and bassist, and Omair Soomro as the drummer.







"Kingpin" is a high-energy thrash metal anthem that showcases the band's signature fast tempo, aggressive style, and heavy palm-muted guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work and energetic, high-pitched growls. The song is an exciting addition to the band's discography and is sure to thrill fans of thrash metal worldwide.


Tabahi has made a significant impact on the metal industry worldwide since their debut EP, Fatwa, in 2012, followed by a self-titled full-length album in 2014, and their first music video, "Politricks," in February 2022. With the release of "Kingpin" and their upcoming second EP, to be released in August 2023, the band continues to solidify their position as the leading thrash metal band in Karachi, Pakistan, and the world.





“Politricks”