BODY COUNT frontman Ice-T has told Metal Hammer magazine that the band's upcoming album "Merciless" will likely feature another collaboration between BODY COUNT and MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine.

According to Ice-T, he and his bandmates are "about halfway through" recording the follow-up to 2020's "Carnivore" with longtime producer Will Putney, with hopes to release it in the summer.

"We're nine songs in, and we're gonna put 15 on the album," he said. "It hasn't been the easiest album to record, simply because we’re coming off the heels of 'Carnivore'. It was a great, award-winning record and we never got to perform it. Playing songs on the road is usually what inspires your next album, so we came into this kinda cold, from a dead space."

Mustaine previously made a spoken-word appearance on the song "Civil War" from BODY COUNT's 2017 album "Bloodlust", while Ice-T could be heard lending spoken-word vocals to "Night Stalkers" from MEGADETH's latest album, 2022's "The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!"

"Dave Mustaine has got at us already," Ice-T told Metal Hammer about a possible renewed collaboration. "He wants to write a song. Dave worked with us on 'Bloodlust' — he did 'Civil War'. But usually what we do with a BODY COUNT album is make it first by ourselves, then call in people."

In a 2022 interview with Guitar World, Mustaine praised Ice-T's "great [acting] parts" in "Night Stalkers".

"I've been friends with Ice-T for a long time," he explained. "When we first met in Los Angeles, he told me he was an army ranger, so it was only natural that I would get him to do this because I wanted to get a great musician who has cred as a military guy. I asked him if he would do a spoken part and he gave me so many good ones it was hard to pick which one to use."

Last October, Ice-T told Darren Paltrowitz, host of the "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz", about "Merciless": "Will Putney's producing again. We've had three consecutive great albums working with Will; he understands. I call him 'the Dr. Dre of metal,' because he has the ability to produce different groups but make them sound like themselves, but just better.

"We did 'Carnivore', and right [when] our first date of touring was supposed to start, COVID hit," he continued. "COVID hit, shut down all the stateside tour; 35 European festivals shut down; and we didn't really get to really perform the album; we didn't get to go out, and that kind of sucks.

"You make albums to perform 'em; you don't make 'em just [to sit at home]. And we won a Grammy on that one. That was great; that was a great accolade. It kind of took the sting out of dropping an album to a dead scene; it took the sting out of it. But then the label's, like, 'Okay, we'll do another album.' And I'm, like, 'Wait a minute. We didn't even really get this one out good."

According to Ice-T, the way he records his vocals for BODY COUNT has evolved over the years.

"Usually when I do songs, I'll do the songs but I don't complete 'em," he explained. "Like, if there's gonna be three verses, I'll sing two and then I kind of live with them, and maybe that way I can think about how I wanna end the song and how I wanna change it up.

"I'm at a point now… When I first used to do albums, I would do, like, 20 songs and then try to pick 12. Now I'm very difficult to find the music, so by the time I pick 12, those are the 12 songs. I'm not doing a whole bunch of recording just to find that… I know what I'm doing. I'm like that photographer that knows how to just wait until the right moment to take the picture: 'Okay, that's one… two.' Versus the guy [who takes a bunch of pictures one after the other]. I don't need to do that.

"So the 'Merciless' album is sounding pretty hard, though," Ice-T added. "We named the motherfucker 'Merciless'."

"Carnivore" continued the path of its uncompromising and critically acclaimed predecessors, "Bloodlust" and "Manslaugther", in pairing Ice-T's impassioned and socio-critical lyrics with thick guitar riffs and nods to metal and hardcore greats like SLAYER, METALLICA, PANTERA, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. Guest musicians on the LP included Amy Lee (EVANESCENCE),Dave Lombardo (ex-SLAYER),Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Riley Gale (POWER TRIP).

BODY COUNT was honored with a Grammy in the "Best Metal Performance" category in the pre-telecast ceremony at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, which was held in March 2021 in Los Angeles. BODY COUNT was nominated for "Bum-Rush", a track from "Carnivore".

Dave Mustaine image credit: Gibson

Dissonant death metal outfit Nightmarer, which features current and former members of The Ocean, Convulsing, Gigan, War From A Harlot’s Mouth, and more, will release their second full-length, Deformity Adrift, via Total Dissonance Worship And Vendetta Records on May 5.


Forged in 2014, the international collective known as Nightmarer set out to derive only the most extreme elements of their previous musical endeavours and take them to much more miserable and punishing levels. Two years later, the band hit the extreme metal underground with their debut EP Chasm. The furious whirlwind of low-end dissonance and pulverizing heaviness immediately took the scene by storm and paved the path to a record contract with Season Of Mist.


Nightmarer’s following full-length Cacophony Of Terror (2018) and their appearance on the 2019 edition of the Devastation On The Nation Tour, earned the band a strong, diehard following, while the addition of guitarist Keith Merrow (Merrow, Conquering Dystopia) in the same year, only further cemented their reputation as a band to watch closely.




In early 2020, Nightmarer parted ways with Season Of Mist to launch their own label, Total Dissonance Worship. Under that banner, the band released the single “Primordial Grit” and 2021 EP Monolith Of Corrosion to critical acclaim from both fans and critics alike.


By 2021, most of the band relocated to Portland, Oregon to finish the production of their long-awaited, second full-length: this year’s Deformity Adrift.


Inarguably the band’s most diverse work to date, Deformity Adrift ventures far beyond the conventions of the already unconventional genre of dissonant death metal, without surrendering an ounce of viciousness. A thirty-two-minute sonic behemoth, the record is at once confounding and ravaging. Strong nuances of industrial and doom metal can be heard throughout, the record’s nine tracks concluding fittingly with a suffocating wall of sound that leaves its listeners bruised, battered, and shaken.


In advance of the release of Deformity Adrift, today Nightmarer unleashes the record’s first single “Throe Of Illicit Withdrawal,” noting of the track, “This song is about having to give yourself up entirely, in order to function as a cog in a machine that exploits every last bit of your body, mind, and soul. It's a constant battle between oppressive tension and the promise of a release that never comes. The result is a misery so deep, any attempt at disassociating from it is futile. 'Throe Of Illicit Withdrawal' embodies that musically and lyrically.”


Listen to the track below.


Guitars on Deformity Adrift were recorded by Simon Hawemann at Sludge Studios, vocals and additional guitars were recorded by Keith Merrow at Merrowsound, all bass was recorded by Brendan Sloan at Overland, and drums were recorded by Marc Wüstenhagen at Dailyhero Recordings. The record was mixed and mastered by Raphaël Bovey at MyRoom Studio and comes adorned in the cover art of Jeanne Comateuse.


Nightmarer’s Deformity Adrift will be released by Total Dissonance Worship in the US and Vendetta Records in Europe on CD, vinyl, cassette, digital, and streaming formats. Find pre-orders here.





Deformity Adrift tracklisting:


"Brutalist Imperator"
"Baptismal Tomb"
"Throe Of Illicit Withdrawal"
"Tooms"
"Suffering Beyond Death"
"Taufbefehl"
"Hammer Of Desolation"
"Endstadium"
"Obliterated Shrine"


"Throe Of Illicit Withdrawal":





Nightmarer lineup:


John Collett - vocals
Simon Hawemann - guitars
Keith Merrow - guitars
Brendan Sloan - bass
Paul Seidel – drums


Additional musicians:


Christian Kolf and Jan Buckard (Valborg) - guest vocals on “Taufbefehl”
Eeli Helin - soundscapes and noise on “Taufbefehl”
Jesse Zuretti and Robert Bruckmayer - orchestration, soundscapes, samples on “Obliterated Shrine”


(Photo - Peter Voigtmann)


 

Guitarist John Christ (born John Knoll),who left DANZIG in July 1995 after four albums and one EP, reflected on his exit from the band in a new interview with Guitar World magazine. Asked what led to his decision to move on from DANZIG, John said: "The band — Eerie Von, Chuck Biscuits and I — were in horrible contract negotiations. Actually, there were no negotiations. Glenn [Danzig] wanted it all and was slowly squeezing us out. He had all of the support from the label and management. We had no-one backing us. Glenn could afford to outspend us until we cried uncle. Royalties, publishing, advances, everything. He signed his own deal without us ever knowing about it. Welcome to the entertainment business."

Regarding whether he had a plan when he quit DANZIG, Christ said: "What I really wanted was to join METALLICA. I wanted Kirk Hammett's job so badly that I could taste it. It's funny; years later, after I sobered up, I occasionally thought about how I would take Kirk Hammett out and get his job. [Laughs]. The only other gig I really wanted was playing with Ozzy Osbourne. But I ended up forming JUICE 13, a band with guys that could literally talk a nun out of her panties, but that didn't work out. I immediately moved to record a solo album, but at that time, I was in a very physically intense relationship with a woman that I met at the gym, which was addicting, and that clouded things for me."

Christ released his first and only solo album, "Flesh Caffeine", in 1999.

In 2004, John was involved in a traffic accident which left him unable to play guitar for several years. John returned to the stage in 2009 when he performed live in Essex, Maryland for the first time in nearly a decade.

Image credit: Rock N Roll Experience

Swedish heavy metallers, Enforcer, have announced that their sixth studio album, Nostalgia, will be released on May 5 via Nuclear Blast Records. To celebrate, they've  released a video for the album's first single, "Coming Alive". Watch the video below, and stream the song here.


Olof Wikstrand comments: "We’re super happy to announce the first new music in four years! Heavy metal is ‘Coming Alive’. After the experimental ‘Zenith’ we feel securely back to our roots again with another uncompromising heavy metal album for the masses. Nostalgia’is a heavy metal trip of 13 aggressive heavy metal anthems. It’s recorded and mixed in analogue fashion in Hvergelmer Studios, Arvika and produced yet again by the band and with some help from long time producer Rikard Löfgren. The artwork is made by the insanely talented Adam Burke."


Pre-order or pre-save the Nostalgia album here.







Tracklisting:


"Armageddon"
"Unshackle Me"
"Coming Alive"
"Heartbeats"
"Demon"
"Kiss Of Death"
"Nostalgia"
"No Tomorrow"
"At The End Of The Rainbow"
"Metal Supremacia"
"White Lights In The USA"
"Keep The Flame Alive"
"When The Thunder Roars (Cross Fire)"


"Coming Alive" video:

Rome’s Shores of Null is explaining their discography of melancholic doom with their fourth album The Loss Of Beauty, arriving March 24, 2023. Stylistically, The Loss Of Beauty continues along the sulcus set forth by Quiescence (2014) and Black Drapes For Tomorrow (2017). It’s melancholic dark metal with a wide range of influences, from gothic metal to doom and melodic black/death, with frequent use of vocal harmonies and deep growls. The next single is an emotional homage to stories told to guitarist Raffaele Colace by his grandfather, a WWII veteran. 


He shares the details:


“He was taken prisoner in Russia, but he managed to escape and he traveled all the way to Greece, where he hid for a few years in the countryside, in a swamp between the trees, sometimes in a pigpen. In his stories, he told of a woman that brought him a piece of bread every now and then, thus saving him from hunger. Although he managed to escape and survive the war and return to his family in Italy, sorrow never left him for the rest of his life. Whenever he recalled these memories, his eyes were full of tears, and we know for sure that the horrors he saw were way bigger than anything he was able to tell.”




Vocalist Davide Straccione takes his inspiration from daily life, in particular stories with a deep emotional meaning. Most of the time it’s the mood of the song that inspires him to write about a certain topic, and writing lyrics with a melody in mind allows him to visualize what he wants to tell. For The Loss Of Beauty some of the lyrics came after talking to Martina (Sanda Movies) about a few ideas for some of their videos, creating a triple connection between the music, the words, and the images.


BraveWords is premiering the new music video (created by Underrom Studio) for “My Darkest Years” – watch below!





The Loss Of Beauty will be released on March 24 via Spikerot Records. Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.


Shores Of Null will be touring Europe with Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium in April/May 2023.








Find tour and ticket information at shoresofnull.com/tour.


The Loss Of Beauty artwork and tracklisting:





"Transitory" 
"Destination Woe"
"The Last Flower" 
"Darkness Won't Take Me" 
"Nothing Left To Burn" 
"Old Scars" 
"The First Son" 
"A Nature In Disguise" 
"My Darkest Years"
"Fading As One" 
"A New Death Is Born"


Bonus Tracks (CD and Digital only)
"Underwater Oddity" 
"Blazing Sunlight" 


"The Last Flower" video:





"Nothing Left To Burn" video:

In a new interview with "The Mistress Carrie Podcast", SEVENDUST guitarist Clint Lowery spoke about the band's recently completed fourteenth studio album. The follow-up to 2020's "Blood & Stone" was once again tracked at Studio Barbarosa in Gotha, Florida with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who has previously worked with ALTER BRIDGE and SLASH, among others.

Asked if SEVENDUST has a release date for the new LP, Clint said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It'll be this year. It'll be in the next few months. You're gonna start hearing some songs. We recorded it a while back. I'm super excited about it. I don't wanna say the names of anything, 'cause I know they're very particular… The 'team' wants to say it a certain way. But it'll be out this year. We're gonna be touring it this year.

"That's one of the reasons I wanted to release my [solo] EP as soon as I could at the beginning of the year so I could get that out and flush that out and put it out there and then give a hundred percent attention to SEVENDUST," he explained.

"I'm very stoked about the record. A lot of bands say that. I'm amazed we're still making music we love and we're not phoning it in. We worked really hard on it. The first songs, we're gonna be doing some videos in the next week or so. All the guys are gonna be coming around my area. We're gonna film some cool stuff and build a bunch of really cool content and roll it our early spring, late spring. And then I'm thinking about a summer release."

Clint previously talked about the upcoming SEVENDUST LP in an interview with "Good Company With Scott Bowling". At the time, he said: "I'm really excited about this record. We did that with Elvis Baskette. He's got his vibe. And this will be our third record with him.

Lowery went on to say that he has had to step away from the new SEVENDUST album after it was completed.

"I've listened to it, I've not liked it, I loved it, I hated it, and then I fell back in love with it," he explained.

"When I'm finished with a record, I really… That one took a lot out of me creatively, which is amazing that I even went for [a new solo] EP to do myself [shortly after finishing the SEVENDUST LP], 'cause I was kind of tapped out creatively. I couldn't even listen to the record afterwards. It was mixed and I heard it, and Elvis did a great job, but it was, like, 'I've gotta put it away for a while.' And I put it on the other day to listen to it, and I'm, 'Oh, man, this is gonna be good. People are gonna really dig it.' I think it's one of the best [records] we've done in a while, man."

Last June, SEVENDUST drummer Morgan Rose said that the writing session for the band's upcoming album was his "favorite" of SEVENDUST's career. "Just 5 guys in a farm house, creating," he wrote on Instagram. "Telling each other how much we love each other, supporting each other, enjoying being together. No outsiders, no drama, no bullshit. Just us…. The songs are magical, the vibe of the record is magical, our relationship with each other is magical."

SEVENDUST recently completed two legs of its tour celebrating the 21st anniversary of its "Animosity" album.

In December 2021, SEVENDUST released a digital expanded edition of "Blood & Stone". "Blood & Stone Deluxe" contained five new tracks, including three never-before-released remixes and two newly recorded songs. Jake Bowen of PERIPHERY, Richard Wicander of FIRE FROM THE GODS and Justin deBlieck, formerly of ICE NINE KILLS, provided remixes and the band finished recording "All I Really Know" and "What You Are" specifically for this release. "Blood & Stone Deluxe" was released via all digital partners via Rise Records.

Also last June, Rose told "The Jasta Show" that SEVENDUST wouldn't hit the road in support of its next studio album until 2023. He also revealed that "there's not gonna be many [tours] left, I'll just tell you that. I'm gonna be the one to let all the cats out of the bag, but I can just tell you that we're not gonna be around, full-fledged, forever, that's for sure," he added cryptically.

In March 2022, SEVENDUST singer Lajon Witherspoon told St. Louis Post-Dispatch that "Blood & Stone" showed SEVENDUST is "still standing the test of time. It was great to do the album with [Baskette] in Florida again. It was a good time. We wanted to hit [listeners] hard and let them know we still got it and that we're not afraid to put slower songs out there too."

As for the decision to release a "deluxe" version of the LP, Lajon said: "We wanted to put some extra songs out there, B-sides that people hadn't heard. It's a little more of a treat."

Clint will release a new solo EP, titled "Ghostwriter", on February 17 via Dark Blanket Records. The five-track effort will be the follow-up to his debut solo album, "God Bless The Renegades", which came out in January 2020 via Rise Records.

Norwegian hard rock band TNT, which recently reunited with American singer Tony Harnell, has entered the studio to begin recording new music.

Earlier today (Tuesday, February 7),TNT shared several photos from Studio Studio Nyhagen in Norway, and it included the following caption: "First basic tracks session for new TNT music taking place."

Last November, the 60-year-old Harnell, who was born in San Diego, grew up in California and moved to New York when he was 16, announced that he would reteam with guitarist Ronni LeTekrø and drummer Morten "Diesel" Dahl on stage in 2023 for select live appearances. The trio is joined in the current TNT lineup by returning bassist Sid Ringsby, who played with TNT for the first time on the "All The Way To The Sun" album in 2005 and has appeared with TNT at various concerts over the years.

Last month, Harnell said in an online post that he and his TNT bandmates were hoping to "get some new songs out there for you all" in 2023.

In March 2022, Le Tekrø confirmed to the "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" that he had been in touch with Harnell about a renewed collaboration. Speaking about the group's status, Ronni said: "I've started writing new material, and I'm currently having good talks with Tony and the whole band. We have very much communication. And it's been 40 years [since TNT's formation]. But we're trying to bring the band back together and hopefully make one last tour of Europe and maybe America… I think we might wanna end the TNT chapter with dignity and do one last tour."

In April 2021, Harnell, who has been in and out of TNT several times throughout its four-decade existence, told "The Chuck Shute Podcast" that he didn't rule out returning to the band. "Ronni and I, contrary to popular belief, we talk often," he said. "Ronni's not a big technology guy, but he really loves FaceTime video. And it's kind of annoying, because I love him, but he'll call me early in the morning, 'cause he's overseas, so he'll call me early in the morning [for a] video chat, and I'm, like, in bed. But I love the guy. Whatever happens, we'll be on a beach someplace when we're in our 70s, laughing and hanging out.

"Most of the things that pushed us apart — again, contrary to popular belief — are business related," he continued. "I'll just leave it at that.

"'Never say never' is a good way to put it [regarding a possible new TNT album]. And there might be a time and a place."

Harnell's most recent split with TNT took place in October 2017, less than a year and a half after he rejoined the group. He later described his relationship with TNT in an "Unphiltered" interview as "a very long marriage. I'm here [in New York], they're there [in Norway] — they're across the pond really far away. It's a very difficult situation to be in without having a very unified business organization, and no matter what I did, I could not get the thing unified. We were just on two totally separate not only continents physically, but mentally, psychologically, we were on two different continents as well."

Harnell said that he "really, really wanted" his latest collaboration with TNT to work out. "In my opinion, this was gonna be it — we were gonna stay together until I didn't feel like singing anymore," he said. 'I was gonna do other things and do other projects and so forth, but my goal was that TNT would be my band for at least another five years, maybe 10 years or whatever, until it ran its course. So this was kind of an unexpected thing."

In a 2019 interview with "80's Glam Metalcast", Le Tekrø said that he was still on good terms with Harnell. "Definitely," he said. "We talk regularly and we're even discussing making a kind of Page/Plant album, a Harnell/Le Tekrø album, which could maybe lead into something in the future. But I think me and Tony Harnell — I'm speaking not on behalf of him, but on behalf of myself — we need a different playground to do more extensive hard rock with other ideas, whereas TNT is more limited to a [specific] sound. You see what I mean? So, we're definitely buddies, and that will last forever. We don't hate each other, and we never did. That was never the [case]."

TNT's latest studio album, "XIII", came out in June 2018 via Frontiers Music Srl. The band's thirteenth LP was TNT's first to feature vocalist Baol Bardot Bulsara, who replaced Harnell. Baol is a Spanish singer whose debut with TNT happened in front of 8,000 fans in November 2017 when the band opened for German hard rock legends the SCORPIONS in Oslo, Norway.

Photo credit: Ronny Danielsen

First basic tracks session for new TNT music taking place. Ronni Le Tekrø Diesel Dahl Official Sid Ringsby Official

Posted by TNT on Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Mongolian rock sensation and UNESCO Artist For Peace ambassadors The Hu
have shared a new version of their 2022 groundbreaking single "This Is Mongol". With featured guest vocalist/guitarist William DuVall of Alice In Chains now appearing on the updated track, "This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls)" further highlights the song’s original message of promoting Mongolian culture and empowering environmental awareness by adding English-translated lyrics, sung by DuVall—who also produced and mixed the single--and an unforgettable chanting chorus: "Hey, We are warrior souls, rolling like a river of fire / We are warrior souls, running down the dragon to slay / This is our way (This is our way)."  These themes are seen throughout the "This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls)" music video which also premiered today. The video was co-directed by Michael Lombardi, co-producer and lead actor of The Retaliators--the 2022 horror-thriller in which members of The Hu appeared and whose soundtrack included music from the band’s discography—and includes an exclusive sneak peek of the film which is out now on Blu-Ray via Better Noise Films.


"We are so excited to be performing our single, 'This is Mongol (Warrior Souls)', with William DuVall," says The Hu's tovshuur player and backing vocalist Temka. "He’s not only an amazing vocalist but also has unique rhythm and technique to his performance, and his style matches our energy and our throat singing. The song is about the warrior souls that are within us, and its purpose is to inspire you and awaken your soul. We hope everyone enjoys this piece of art."


"It was such an exciting and fulfilling challenge to write and produce something that remained true to The Hu’s sensibilities while also resonating with my own," shares William DuVall. "'Warrior Souls' is a testament to the fact that, no matter where we come from, in the end, we all want the same things-to prosper in our own time despite the odds arrayed against us, making previous generations proud and leaving a worthy legacy for the future. I’m honored by this collaboration and very proud of the result."




Lombardi shared details on working with The Hu and the video’s inspiration, stating:


"I had the immense pleasure of working with The Hu in the feature film, The Retaliators. Their contributions ranged from acting, songs appearing in the film and also on The Retaliators soundtrack. On their track, 'This is Mongol', their lyrics encompass a proud declaration of possessing a warrior spirit. The Hu believe we all have the warrior spirit within us. Through inspiring with their hearts and courage, they awaken that warrior spirit in all of us. I have witnessed that the messages in their music are a total reflection of how they live and how they tackle their artistic process. The Hu approach their craft with professionalism, courage--and with infectious energy."


Watch "This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls)" Feat. William DuVall of Alice In Chains below.





The Hu released their second album, Rumble Of Thunder in July 2022. It features their eco-conscious debut single, “This Is Mongol”; an epic two-part music video for their nine-minute track “Black Thunder”; and the lively single “Bii Biyelegee.” The Hu have announced a deluxe version of  to be released in spring/summer of 2023 via Better Noise Music, with guest appearances from some of rock’s top musicians. Stay tuned for more information in the new year.


Rumble Of Thunder is available to order here.





Tracklisting:


“This Is Mongol”
“YUT Hövende”
“Triangle”
“Teach Me”
“Upright Destined Mongol”
“Sell The World”
“Black Thunder”
“Mother Nature”
“Bii Biyelgee”
“Segee”
“Shihi Hutu”
“TATAR Warrior”


“Bii Biyelgee” video:





“Black Thunder” Part 1 video:





“Black Thunder” Part 2 video:





(Photo - Khishigsuren Baasan)

SCORPIONS' music video for "Wind Of Change" has surpassed one billion views on YouTube. The power ballad was originally uploaded to the platform in November of 2009.

SCORPIONS singer Klaus Meine and his bandmates wrote "Wind Of Change" after performing at 1989's Moscow Music Peace Festival in Moscow, where they shared the stage with other hard rock acts like BON JOVI and MÖTLEY CRÜE. The song was inspired by the sight of thousands of Russians cheering them on in 1988 — when they became the first hard rock band to play in Russia — and in 1989, at the aforementioned festival, even though they were a German band.

In March 2022, at the opening concert of SCORPIONS' "Sin City Nights" residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino In Las Vegas, Nevada, Meine told the crowd before launching into "Wind Of Change": "This song is calling for peace, and tonight, I think, we shall sing it even louder. We dedicate this to the brave people in the Ukraine."

In an interview with "Loudwire Nights" host Toni Gonzalez, Klaus explained the thought process behind changing the song's lyrics. "Before we came [to Las Vegas to begin the residency], I was thinking about how it feels to play 'Wind Of Change' the way we used to play for so many years, and I thought, it's not the time with this terrible war in Ukraine raging on, it's not the time to romanticize Russia with lyrics like, 'Follow the Moskva / Down to Gorky Park,' you know?" he said. "I wanted to make a statement in order to support Ukraine, and so the song starts now with, 'Now listen to my heart / It says Ukraine, waiting for the wind to change.'"

Back in 2015, SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker stated about the inspiration for the original version of "Wind Of Change" "We wanted to show the people in Russia that here is a new generation of Germans growing up. They're not coming with tanks and guns and making war — they're coming with guitars and rock 'n' roll and bringing love!"

"There were so many emotional moments in Moscow," Meine added. "I guess it could have been BON JOVI or MÖTLEY CRÜE, any of these guys who had gone home inspired by what they saw, but for them it was like, 'Hey! We rocked the Soviet Union, dudes!' For us, maybe it was different. We saw so many changes from Leningrad in '88 to Moscow in '89. That was the inspiration for 'Wind Of Change'."

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

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

San Francisco Bay Area thrashers VIO-LENCE have confirmed the departure of their drummer Perry Strickland.

On Wednesday (February 8), Strickland took to his Instagram to share a video of him performing with VIO-LENCE, and he captioned 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."

Earlier today, 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."

It is not presently clear who will sit behind the drum kit for VIO_LENCE going forward. The band is scheduled to play at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California on February 25, to be followed by dates in Asia, Australia and New Zealand in early March.

Gustafson joined VIO-LENCE in January 2020 as the replacement for Ray 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, founding guitarist Phil Demmel, singer Sean Killian and Strickland along with former FEAR FACTORY bassist Christian 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 guitarist Ira 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.

Photo credit: Gene Ambo

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Original VIO-LENCE drummer Perry Strickland has officially left the influential San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band.

Earlier today, Strickland took to his Instagram to share a video of him performing with VIO-LENCE, and he captioned 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."

It is not presently clear who will sit behind the drum kit for VIO_LENCE going forward. The band is scheduled to play at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California on February 25, to be followed by dates in Asia, Australia and New Zealand in early March.

Gustafson joined VIO-LENCE in January 2020 as the replacement for Ray 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, founding guitarist Phil Demmel, singer Sean Killian and Strickland along with former FEAR FACTORY bassist Christian 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 guitarist Ira 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.

Image courtesy of Perry Strickland's Instagram

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Zakk Wylde will be selling his stage-played electric guitars on PANTERA's upcoming U.S. tour.

As part of the deluxe Stage Played VIP Upgrade package, which is available via Soundrink, fans can have their photos taken with Zakk, get their guitars signed and chat with the longtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY frontman.

The packages, which are currently listed at $3,250, include the Wylde Audio Barbarian guitar in a choice of three finishes: Orange Buzzsaw, Genesis Bullseye and Purple Blizzard.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Wylde talked about his approach to playing the guitar leads originally performed by PANTERA's founding axeman, the late "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. He said: "It's inevitable I will end up sounding like me. If Dime was playing with Ozz and doing my stuff, it would sound like Dime playing the solo to 'No More Tears' or 'Mama, I'm Coming Home'. It would be Dime's vibrato, Dime's tone. It would sound like him playing my stuff. Even if he did it note-for-note, it would sound like him because that's his sound, you know what I mean?

"So yeah, we're having a blast out there playing these songs. I'm just honored I get a chance to pay tribute to the brothers. It's a pretty special thing that's happening right now. I can't say I have a favorite song or solo, though. Just like when I'm playing with Ozz, I enjoy the whole thing. I love all of it and any of it, from the first note we play to the last note we play. It's all awesome."

In July 2022, it was reported that Wylde and ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante, along with PANTERA's surviving members, singer Philip Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, would tour as PANTERA.

According to a report by Billboard, Wylde and Benante's involvement in the project has been approved by the estates of PANTERA's late co-founders, Dimebag and drummer Vincent "Vinnie Paul" Abbott.

Zakk discussed his participation in the PANTERA celebration tour during an appearance on "Sunday With Ola", the YouTube program hosted by Ola Englund, the Swedish guitarist, record producer and owner of Solar guitars. Regarding how his involvement in the PANTERA tribute came about, Zakk said: "There's always been talks about it, for years, especially when Vinnie was still alive. And it was just, like, well, I'll just wait till that day comes. 'If you guys decide you wanna do it, you know I'm always gonna be here for ya.' Phil called me up one night, and he was just, like, 'Zakk, I was talking with Rex. We're thinking about doing this. We were wondering if you would wanna honor Dime.' And I was, like, 'Of course, man.' How could I say no? So now, it was just, like, 'All right. Well, send me the songs for the setlist so I can start learning this stuff, man.'"

Wylde told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about how he planned to approach the PANTERA gig: "You approach it the same way as you do when I'm playing with Ozzy. Obviously I've gotta learn [Randy] Rhoads's stuff and I've gotta learn Jake's [E. Lee] stuff, and when I was doing the [BLACK] SABBATH stuff, you learn it and do it as faithful as you can. Charlie's gotta learn all of Vinnie's parts. You approach it as if you're in a cover band. When we do the ZAKK SABBATH stuff," referring to his BLACK SABBATH cover band, "I don't start changing lyrics midway through 'War Pigs'. You learn the songs — so that's what you do."

PANTERA recently played seven shows in Mexico and South America and will next headline a number of major festivals across North America, Europe and Asia, and stage some of their own headline concerts. They will also support METALLICA on a massive North American stadium tour in 2023 and 2024.

Legendary rock singer Graham Bonnet has confirmed that he is collaborating with former NEVERMORE and current ARCH ENEMY guitarist Jeff Loomis on a new album. Explaining that the LP will be "totally separate" from what he is doing with his GRAHAM BONNET BAND, Graham revealed that he and Jeff have already written six songs so far. "It's just a matter of getting a deal for that, actually; that's what we're doing," the 75-year-old vocalist told the Mike Nelson Show. "We're gonna do like a demo track so we can play it for somebody. You know, the usual thing: 'What do you think?'"

Bonnet added: "Jeff is a great guitar player and I am very proud to work with him."

Back in June 2021, it was announced that Loomis would be joining Bonnet's version of ALCATRAZZ. It is not presently clear if the material the two musicians are working on will be released under that moniker.

Bonnet previously described Loomis as "a powerhouse of a musician, a brilliant writer and a great guy. His skills are unparalleled and I am thrilled at the prospect of recreating the magic of the early days of ALCATRAZZ but with a modern, heavier sound," he said.

"When I first heard Jeff, I was astonished by his technique coupled with his great feel and incredible melodies."

When his addition to Bonnet's version of ALCATRAZZ was first announced, Jeff commented: "I'm super excited to be working with Graham Bonnet. I've been a longtime fan of his vocals and lyrics for many years, and it's going to be an honor to craft some amazing music together and play some select live shows."

Graham's version of ALCATRAZZ is not to be confused with the ALCATRAZZ band featuring original members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea, along with new vocalist Doogie White (RAINBOW, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST),drummer Larry Paterson and guitarist Joe Stump, which will release a new album, "Take No Prisoners", in May via Silver Lining Music.

Loomis made a guest appearance on the GRAHAM BONNET BAND's latest studio album, "Day Out In Nowhere", which came out in May 2022.

Bonnet is a hard rock legend with a pedigree to back that statement up. His solo offerings and stints with RAINBOW, MSG, ALCATRAZZ, and IMPELLITTERI prove he is one of the finest rock vocalists and songwriters of his generation. From his late 60s into his 70s, Graham has written and recorded three of the best albums he’s ever done, including a reunion album with GRAHAM BONNET'S ALCATRAZZ called "Born Innocent" in 2020, along with three records with his GRAHAM BONNET BAND: 2016's "The Book", 2018's "Meanwhile, Back In The Garage" and the aforementioned "Day Out In Nowhere".

Drummer Jaska Raatikainen, bassist Henri "Henkka T. Blacksmith" Seppälä and keyboardist Janne Wirman have announced the launch of the first official CHILDREN OF BODOM book. Sign up at childrenofbodombook.com for the chance to get a name printed in the book, a special subscriber-only discount when preorder begins, and to hear all the news first.

Raatikainen, Seppälä and Wirman said in a statement: "Since we stopped making music and suffered the tragic loss of our brother Alexi [Laiho, CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman], we've been remembering so many great times that we had together. In 2023 it will be the thirty years since Alexi and Jaska formed a band, and the time is right for us to create a book which tells the story of CHILDREN OF BODOM in our own words and includes lots of photographs — many never published before — from our own collections."

As previously reported, CHILDREN OF BODOM's final concert, which took place on December 15, 2019 at the Black Box in Helsinki Ice Hall in Helsinki, Finland, will be released later this year as a live album.

Alexi passed away on December 29, 2020 in his home in Helsinki, Finland. He died of alcohol-induced degeneration of the liver and pancreas connective tissue. Furthermore, Laiho had a cocktail of painkillers, opioids and insomnia medication in his system. He had suffered from long-term health issues leading up to his death.

Laiho and Raatikainen founded CHILDREN OF BODOM in 1993, and the band was one of the most internationally acclaimed metal acts in Finland up until their very last farewell concert. In 2020, Alexi put together BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT, which recorded three songs and shot one music video, all of which were released posthumously.

Besides CHILDREN OF BODOM, Laiho had played in such acts as WARMEN, SINERGY, KYLÄHULLUT and THE LOCAL BAND. Awarded with a Metal Hammer Golden God and several other international prizes, the guitarist was also the main star, leading a group of one hundred guitar players at the Helsinki Festival in 2015 in "100 Guitars From Hel" — a massive concert piece he composed.

Last year, Raatikainen, Seppälä and Wirman discussed publicly for the first time the circumstances that led to the band's split and ultimately Laiho's death. In an interview with Finland's Helsingin Sanomat, the three surviving members of CHILDREN OF BODOM said the real reason for the band's breakup was not that they wanted to stop touring in order to spend more time with their families, which is how Laiho explained it to Helsingin Sanomat in November 2019. Instead, what caused the group to split was Laiho's substance abuse, and that is also what eventually killed him a year after they went their separate ways.

During an appearance on the latest episode of "The VoiceHacks Podcast With Mary Zimmer", former ICED EARTH singer Stu Block spoke about the solo music he is currently working on. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "When I create my own art, I've been taking my sweet-ass time doing it — I know — but it's something that is gonna outlive me. And so I just want it to be good. So I've got a lot of stuff and a lot of songs that I wanna get out there, but it's gonna take a while. I do wanna be release my first EP, at least, by the end of this year, but we'll see how it goes… I wanna do single and then EP — so drop a single and then EP. Drop a couple of pieces of simple merch with each release — nice and easy."

He continued: "I was gonna do the crowdfunding thing, but I'm really enjoying doing the home-recording thing, and I have a lot of great friends. I've been talking to a really awesome producer right now that I've worked with in the past, and we're super excited to work on it together. So, yeah, I think it'll be fun. We're just taking our time. I wanna do something different."

As for the musical direction of his solo material, Block said: "It's gonna be different. Yeah, you're gonna hear what you would expect in certain areas, but there's gonna be stuff that I think you wouldn't expect totally… It's gonna be a fun record. I think it'll be a fun EP, too. I love the emotional roller-coaster aspect of music, so that's kind of my feel — let's try and do a nice little emotional roller-coaster EP. And I think it'll be fun."

Back in August 2021, Stu said that Jon Schaffer "fucked up real bad" when he got involved in the violent protest at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 that left several dead, including a Capitol police officer.

In April 2021, the ICED EARTH leader pleaded guilty for his role in the Capitol riot. Although he was initially charged with six crimes, including engaging in an act of physical violence and targeting police with bear spray, he pleaded guilty to only two charges: obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress; and trespassing on restricted grounds of the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

Block, the Canadian-born vocalist who had fronted ICED EARTH since 2011, officially quit the band in February 2021, stating at the time it was "the best decision in many ways" for his "personal and professional growth going forward."

Stu addressed Jon's involvement in the Capitol riot as well as his departure from ICED EARTH in an interview with Canada's The Metal Voice. Speaking about his former bandmate, he said: "We all make bad decisions, man, and [Jon] fucked up real bad. And I'm sure he knows it, and I think everybody with half a brain knows it… The line that was crossed with going in and all that kind of stuff… He had so much going on. It was a shame. It hurts, 'cause you've got plans, and all of a sudden, you can't tell someone what to do — you can't tell a very strong-willed individual what to do; you can't. And so it would be lost words."

He added: "At the end of the day, I don't hate him. I'm not writhing in hate for him. I feel sad. I feel bad that everything went down the way it did. And maybe one day we'll talk. I don't know. I'm not too sure. But I think he knows that I still have a place in my heart for him, because I've seen that man do a lot of amazing, wonderful things for people. But I just wanna move on. And that's what it is."

Following the initial reports that Schaffer was involved in the riot, his ICED EARTH bandmates distanced themselves from his actions. Block and bassist Luke Appleton later posted separate statements on social media announcing their resignations. BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kürsch also quit DEMONS & WIZARDS, his long-running project with Schaffer. The allegations also apparently affected Schaffer's relationship with his longtime record label Century Media, which had released albums from both ICED EARTH and DEMONS & WIZARDS. As of mid-January 2021, the Century Media artist roster page did not list either band.

According to CNN, prosecutors and Schaffer's attorneys agreed to recommend that he get between three and a half and four and a half years in prison, based on how fruitful his cooperation is with the government.

The government agreed not to oppose Schaffer's release during the sentencing phase.

As part of the plea deal, Schaffer agreed to cooperate with investigators and potentially testify in related criminal cases, according to CNN. In return for Schaffer's assistance, the Justice Department might later urge the judge to show leniency during his sentencing.

As part of the agreement, the Justice Department has offered to sponsor Schaffer for the witness protection program.

In August 2021, Block announced his permanent return to his pre-ICED EARTH band INTO ETERNITY.

Before joining INTO ETERNITY in 2005, Block began his musical career singing for various bands in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. After two albums with INTO ETERNITY, Block joined ICED EARTH in 2011, with whom he recorded three LPs: "Dystopia" (2011),"Plagues Of Babylon" (2014) and "Incorruptible" (2017).

German metallers PRIMAL FEAR celebrated their 25th band anniversary with select events last year, including live shows and reissuing their self-titled debut album. The time was also spent preparing a new LP named "Code Red" which will be unleashed on September 1 through Atomic Fire. Produced by bass player Mat Sinner and co-produced by vocalist Ralf Scheepers as well as guitarist Tom Naumann, it will be mixed and mastered by longtime PRIMAL FEAR companion Jacob Hansen at his Hansen Studios in Denmark once again.

To give fans a first impression of the album, which is still in its recording stages, PRIMAL FEAR has unveiled its cover artwork which was designed by Stan W. Decker ("Angels Of Mercy - Live In Germany" [2017], "Apocalypse" [2018] and "I Will Be Gone" [2021]). PRIMAL FEAR has also announced the first leg of its upcoming European tour, kicking off with a hometown show at Stuttgart's Im Wizemann venue and including many other countries besides Germany and Switzerland. Special guests on this run will be German power metallers THE UNITY (featuring members of GAMMA RAY, EDGUY and PRIMAL FEAR),with further dates to be announced at a later time.

Sinner states: "The world is in a state of emergency; one catastrophe follows another. 'Code Red' is our statement about the present and the title of our upcoming 14th studio album, which will be released directly at the tour start on September 1st. According to its title, it will be a heavy, powerful and uncompromising record — 110% PRIMAL FEAR!"

"Code Red" European tour part one:

Sep. 01 - DE Stuttgart - Im Wizemann (Halle)
Sep. 02 - DE Memmingen - Kaminwerk
Sep. 03 - DE Naila - Frankenhalle
Sep. 05 - DE Munich - Backstage (Werk)
Sep. 06 - DE Bochum - Zeche
Sep. 07 - DE Frankfurt - Batschkapp
Sep. 09 - CH Sion - Le Port Franc
Sep. 10 - CH Pratteln - Z7

Back in August 2021, PRIMAL FEAR announced that it was scrapping all of its previously announced dates for 2021 and 2022 "due to a serious illness issue." Four months after canceling the concerts, Sinner revealed that he had spent the previous eight months in eight different hospitals.

When PRIMAL FEAR first announced its concert cancelations, it said that it was "not able to foresee when the band will be able to continue what the love the most: playing shows."

In April 2021, PRIMAL FEAR released a five-track single called "I Will Be Gone". Also made available was the official music video for the title track, featuring a guest appearance by former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen.

PRIMAL FEAR's 13th studio album, "Metal Commando", was released in July 2020 via Nuclear Blast. The LP was produced by Sinner and mixed by Jacob Hansen.

Formed by Sinner in 1997 as an outlet for vocalist Ralf Scheepers (who had left GAMMA RAY and was a rumored candidate for the then-open JUDAS PRIEST vocal spot, but was considering early retirement from metal),PRIMAL FEAR has emerged as one of the most consistent European metal bands, rarely straying from its core PRIEST-styled power metal sound.

For more than a decade, Sinner has been the musical director and co-producer for the prestigious European arena tour "Rock Meets Classic".

MANOWAR has just released a new song called "Laut Und Hart Stark Und Schnell" dedicated to the band's loyal German fans. Check out the official lyric video below.

"Laut Und Hart Stark Und Schnell", which translates into "Loud And Hard Strong And Fast", is an anthemic mid-tempo hymn in the vein of MANOWAR's classic "Warriors Of The World United" that invites fans to sing along and raise their hands in celebration of their favorite genre and band.

"Laut Und Hart Stark Und Schnell" will first be released digitally on February 10 on all major platforms and will be available during MANOWAR's German tour. The European retail release is scheduled for February 24.

Asked about the meaning of the song and title, MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio explained: "We have the greatest and most passionate fans, all over the world, and we feel deeply honored because of it! This song is a statement to our fans, and to the world, to be proud of the things they care about, regardless what others say."

He continued: "It is no secret that we have a special relationship with Germany. Maybe because it is the birthplace of Richard Wagner, the father of heavy metal. The German fans took us into their hearts faster and in larger numbers than any other nation. They have stayed loyal to us for more than 40 years now! The release of 'Laut Und Hart Stark Und Schnell' is our thank you! We will perform the song on these German shows, and film it, to share these special moments with the world!"

Five months ago, MANOWAR announced that it had recruited Michael Angelo Batio, a veteran both in the studio and on stage, to play guitar for the band on its 2023 "Crushing The Enemies Of Metal" tour. The news came in the wake of guitarist Evandro "EV" Martel's announcement that he was taking a break from touring for a while for "personal reasons".

Voted by Guitar One magazine the "No. 1 Fastest Guitar Shredder of All Time", Chicago native Batio is an accomplished musician in many genres, but is best known for his lightning-fast metal performances. He is renowned the world over for his technical mastery of the fretboard, extremely fast picking and his invention, the "MAB Over Under" technique. His ability to play a double-necked and quad-necked guitar using both hands has earned him the respect of fans and fellow musicians alike.

"We've known Michael for many years and have always admired his work," said DeMaio. "His technique is astounding. When we invited him to come and jam with us, we played together at the speed of light. Everything fell into place immediately. We're ready for a killer tour!"

Michael Angelo Batio said: "I could not be more excited! I love metal more than anything, and it doesn't get more metal than MANOWAR! I can't wait to get on stage and play for the MANOWAR fans!"

Although MANOWAR has released a couple of EPs in recent years — including "The Revenge Of Odysseus (Highlights)", which came out in June — the group hasn't issued a full-length effort since 2012's "The Lord Of Steel".

MANOWAR's two "secret" warm-up shows in June 2022 at Jovel Music Hall in Münster, Germany marked the band's debut live appearances with new drummer Dave Chedrick, who has previously played with RAVEN and KILL RITUAL, among others.

Chedrick joined MANOWAR as the replacement for Anders Johannson who announced that same month that he would be unable to join MANOWAR on the band's "Crushing The Enemies Of Metal Anniversary Tour '22/'23" due to "family commitments."

Based in Los Angeles, Chedrick has been a metal addict his entire life. Early influences include John Bonham, Neil Peart and, most of all, late MANOWAR drummer Scott Columbus. An accomplished studio musician, Dave is praised for his professionalism, easy-going spirit, and willingness to always go the extra mile in the quest for the perfect sound.

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LAMB OF GOD and KREATOR have collaborated on a new original song, "State Of Unrest". The trek is being released today (Friday, February 10) to promote the two groups' European tour of the same name.

KREATOR and LAMB OF GOD's "State Of Unrest" European tour was originally scheduled to take place in 2020, but ended up getting postponed, first to 2021, then to 2022 and finally to 2023, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The trek will now launch on February 15 in Munich, Germany and conclude on March 19 in Berlin, Germany.

Says LAMB OF GOD: "It's been a long time coming and now that the 'State Of Unrest' tour is about to kick off, we think it's worthy of a celebration!

"We are super proud to unveil a historic, creative collaboration between LAMB OF GOD and KREATOR; the brand new, all original song 'State Of Unrest'.

"As many of you may know, the 'State Of Unrest' tour originally included POWER TRIP on the bill. To honor the memory of our friend Riley Gale, all proceeds from the 'State Of Unrest' single will go to Dallas Hope Charities, a non profit organization who Riley worked closely with, providing shelter & resources to homeless LGBTQ young people in his beloved hometown.

"We hope you enjoy this special song and we are grateful for your support."

KREATOR frontman Mille Petrozza first spoke about his band's collaboration with LAMB OF GOD in a July 2022 interview with Sakis Fragos of Greece's Rock Hard magazine. At the time, he said: "We did a song together — LAMB OF GOD and KREATOR. That's gonna be cool. And I think that's totally different because it's [a mixture of] the European [approach] and the U.S. [style]."

He added: "It's a song that we've written for the tour, to kick it off. I think that's gonna be a cool song. That's a cool collaboration that I did."

KREATOR's fifteenth studio album, "Hate Über Alles", was released in June 2022. The follow-up to 2017's "Gods Of Violence" was recorded at Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin, Germany. Helming the sessions was Arthur Rizk, who has previously worked with CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, CODE ORANGE, POWER TRIP and SOULFLY, among others.

The "Hate Über Alles" cover artwork was created by Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with HATEBREED, SOULFLY, TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH and SODOM, among others.

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

In March 2020, KREATOR surprise-released a new single, "666 - World Divided". The song was produced by Andy Sneap and Markus Ganter and was recorded at Hansa Tonstudios.

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

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

LAMB OF GOD's latest album, "Omens", was released last October via Epic Records. The band tracked the effort with longtime collaborator Josh Wilbur (KORN, MEGADETH) live in the room together at Henson Recording Studios (formerly A&M Studios) in Los Angeles, California, a location that birthed classics from THE DOORS, PINK FLOYD, RAMONES and SOUNDGARDEN, among others.

"Omens" is the follow-up to LAMB OF GOD's self-titled album, which was released in June 2020 via Epic Records in the U.S. and Nuclear Blast Records in Europe. That LP marked LAMB OF GOD's first recordings with Art Cruz, who joined the band in July 2019 as the replacement for the group's founding drummer, Chris Adler.

It’s been a long time coming and now that the State of Unrest tour is about to kick off, we think it’s worthy of a...

Posted by Lamb of God on Thursday, February 9, 2023

Derek Riggs, the artist who created Iron Maiden’s universally recognized mascot Eddie the Head, has revealed that the original incarnation of the monster was a punk. Riggs made his comments in a brand new interview with eonmusic, at Pasadena Comic Con on January 29.


Eddie, who has appeared on every Iron Maiden release (bar a small handful) since the band’s inception in 1980, has gone on to adorn posters, shirts, and countless other mediums, and is recognizable the world over.


The mascot for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominated band, Eddie is the ultimate metal icon, however, his genesis was driven by Riggs’ desire to appeal to punks, according to the artist.




Says Derek, who conceived the creature towards the end of the 1970s; “Eddie was supposed to be a punk. It was the late 1970s; metal had died, prog rock had died, and punk was the only show in town. I wanted to paint record covers, so I was going around trying to sell jazz covers and other stuff, and not really knowing which direction to go in because all of a sudden, everything was changing. I thought, well, maybe I should try and paint punk.”


Added into the mix was the grim social situation in England at the time, which also informed the character; “I was trying to work out something that punks might understand or relate to because England was horrible back then. I mean, we had four million unemployed at the worst part, and it's only as big as California, England, so that's a lot of people.”





The outspoken Riggs, who worked with Iron Maiden for a decade from 1980 - 1990 also talked about the evolution of Eddie over the years, and in particular how he was unhappy about the decision to restore him to his former state in 1990, following years of scarring.


Said Derek; “He keeps his scars because that's his experiences, that's his life”, he said. “I thought it was a fucking stupid idea [to reset him]. But then were adamant. "We can't think of anything else to do with Eddie"; you never thought of it in the first place, did you!? You wrote a song and then I made the album covers. But they didn't get that because they couldn't think it up, and all of a sudden it couldn't be done.”


Read the full interview at eonmusic.

On March 3rd, German death metal outfit Disminded will release their new album, The Vision. Dramatic melodies, leg-hard grooves, and fast thrashy parts meet profound, unadorned lyrics, straight from the deepest abysses of the soul.


As a first taste of this death metal inferno, the video for the song "Unleash Hate" can be seen below. The album can already via MDD. The Vision, produced by Harris Johns, is a musical statement performed without compromise.







The Vision artwork and tracklisting:





"A Melting Of Worlds"
"Nightmare"
"Unleash Hate"
"Judgement Day"
"Coro-Nation"
"Final Prayer"
"World War 3"
"Dead Water"
"The Cult"
"New God Rising"


For further details, visit Disminded on Facebook.