"We're all affected by addiction, either as the addict or somebody that loves an addict and wants to see them get help," says singer Jon Ricci. "The world is more connected and yet more isolated than ever. Drugs, alcohol, sex, pain, social media, success - We're all addicted to something and we're often alone with our thoughts and problems, when what we really need is a conversation and support. We turn inward when what we really need is to reach out and to be reached out to. Filthy is a look inside those addictions, how they can take over our lives, and what can happen when we try to go it alone."

In a new interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider was asked why it's dangerous when the band's classic song "We're Not Gonna Take It" is co-opted by various politicians and used at their campaign rallies. He responded: "That is the key word there — 'co-opted.' It's not that the song is played by any particular party or side or group — that's fine; that's freedom of speech — but when it gets to the point where one side or one group have made the song their own and others feel they can't sing that song anymore because it makes them look like they're part of that group, that's when I have to step up and that's when I speak out.

"People tell me, 'Why don't you stop them from using the song?' First of all, I technically can't," Dee explained. "But more importantly, that would be censorship. But there's times where I do to speak out and say, 'We do not stand with this group. They do not speak for TWISTED SISTER or Dee Snider. And I wanna be clear this song is not for them — I didn't write it for them; I wrote it for everybody.' So, when a song starts getting just connected strongly to one group or organization, that's when it's dangerous."

Asked how frustrating it is when people assume that he approved the song's use by various political campaigns, Snider said: "When people make the assumption that because somebody is singing your song, you and your band support their cause, it's a ridiculous assumption. Just because someone wrote a song, they think, 'Oh, they must stand with these people.' So it's very frustrating, and often we will often speak out and we will speak up. And, of course, the song we're talking about here is 'We're Not Gonna Take It', which in and of itself is a very broad song that I deliberately wrote so that anybody could sing it for any situation they were in. But that goes for both sides of the aisle; that goes for every… If you're mad at your boss [or] you're mad at your girlfriend [or] you're mad at your teachers, people who are cancer victims, anybody can sing 'We're Not Gonna Take It', but no one group can claim they own it. Well, except TWISTED SISTER; we can claim we own it. [Laughs]"

Last July, Dee said that he could not "legally or morally" stop then-Arizona GOP gubernatorial hopeful and election denier Kari Lake from using "We're Not Gonna Take It" at her campaign events.

The classic TWISTED SISTER song was played as Lake, a former local TV anchor, walked on stage at a "Save America" rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona where she was joined by former U.S. president Donald Trump.

After one of Snider's Twitter followers shared a video of Lake's entrance to "We're Not Gonna Take It" and he included the following message: "@deesnider i think a cease & desist is in order", Dee responded: "While I abhor what this ignoramus @KariLake stands for and the she deplorables (yup, Hillary Clinton had it right) she represents, I can NOT legally or morally stop her from using or singing my song. I wrote it for everyone...cherry picking who uses it is censorship."

When another person wrote "Please tell me @deesnider is not ok with Kari Lake using his music", Dee replied: "Not at all. I do NOT stand with @KariLake . I'm not with anyone who is with Trump or not Pro-choice. This said, i wrote a song designed for everyone. I can't cherry pick who can & can not sing it... THIS SAID...the 1st line is 'WE'VE GOT THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE'. Glad Kari agrees."

What Snider was apparently referring to is the fact that political campaigns are often able to procure blanket licenses from performing rights organizations such as American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) when the rallies are held in major public venues such as convention centers and arenas.

Back in November 2017, Snider, who got to know Trump personally after appearing more than once on NBC's "The Celebrity Apprentice", said that he could no longer be friends with Trump because he did not share the then-president's views on important issues, including the Trump administration's harsh immigration policy.

Snider found himself in the middle of controversy in 2016 when he asked Trump to stop using "We're Not Gonna Take It" in his campaign. The singer said at the time that Trump was very gracious about the request.

Dee was fired by Trump on "The Celebrity Apprentice" in 2013.

Snider is not the only member of TWISTED SISTER who has been critical of Trump. In January 2021, TWISTED SISTER guitarist Jay Jay French called Trump a "white supremacist president" whose tenure at the White House was a "long national nightmare."

Four years ago, TWISTED SISTER slammed Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer for using a re-written version of "We're Not Gonna Take It" in connection with his political party.

"We're Not Gonna Take It" has been used in commercials for hotel chain Extended Stay America, Claritin, Walmart, Stanley Steamer and Yaz birth control. The song was written solely by Snider.

Back in November 2018, Axl Rose said that the Trump administration was using "loopholes" in the various venues' blanket performance licenses to play GUNS N' ROSES music at Trump's rallies.

On January 20th, Swedish grand seigneurs of gloom, Katatonia, finally released their Napalm Records debut and new studio album, Sky Void Of Stars.


Napalm Records has shared an unboxing video for the album. Check it out below.







Katatonia on the new album: “Our 12th album, Sky Void Of Stars is a dynamic journey through vibrant darkness. Born out of yearning for what was lost and not found, the very peripheries of the unreachable, but composed and condensed into human form and presented as sounds and words true to the Katatonia signum. No stars here, just violent rain.”


Order here.





Sky Void Of Stars tracklisting:


"Austerity"
"Colossal Shade"
"Opaline"
"Birds"
"Drab Moon"
"Author"
"Impermanence" (feat. Joel Ekelöf)
"Sclera"
"Atrium"
"No Beacon To Illuminate Our Fall"
"Absconder" (Bonus Track)


"Birds" video:





“Austerity” video:





"Atrium" video:





Opaline





Lineup:


Jonas Renske - Vocals
Anders Nyström - Guitars
Roger Öjersson - Guitars
Niklas Sandin - Bass
Daniel Moilanen - Drums


(Photo - Mathias Blom)

Dark Tranquillity performed at Bloodstock Open Air Metal Festival in August 2022 on the Sophie Lancaster stage. Professionally-filmed video of the band's entire set can be viewed below.


The setlist was as follows:


"Identical To None"
"Transient"
"Monochromatic Stains"
"Forward Momentum"
"Terminus (Where Death Is Most Alive)"
"The Dark Unbroken"
"Atoma"
"The New Build"
"Final Resistance"
"Phantom Days"
"The Treason Wall"
"Encircled"
"ThereIn"
"Lost To Apathy"
"Misery's Crown"







 

New England's premier metal band Dead By Wednesday have released their brand new animated stop motion music video for their single "Mars In Exile." The drummer's 8-year-old son, Orion St. Lawrence, inspired the story & concept, and designed the building brick band characters. Viewers can also see some of the footage he originally shot with real building brick figures projected on the screens during the guitar solo. 





The video was directed by Sal DelGreco, who also did all of the voice acting. The animation was done by Paul Stamper. The single is taken from their brand new album Capital Conspiracy, released June 24, 2022 on Mindsnap Music / Salt of the Earth Records. This new album from DBW is a total lesson in authentic musical aggression and was produced by Nicky Bellmore (drummer & producer of Dee Snider, Corpse Grinder, & Jasta). DBW’s album is available in stores as well as anywhere music is streamed or downloaded. Capital Conspiracy also hit # 1 on the nationally renowned NACC Top 30 Loud - Hard Rock Radio Charts.







In addition, DBW announced their debut European Tour starting April 1 and ending April 16, dubbed The Sick As Fuck Euro Tour 2023. Dates and venues to be announced soon.


(Photo - Jeremy Saffer)

Frontiers Music Srl announces the upcoming release of the debut album, Seven Worlds, from Transworld Identity (T-ID) on March 17.


T-ID is a new Finnish/English rock band featuring vocalist Mila Bosa, guitarist Mika "Lamppari" Lamminsivu, keyboardist Juha "Junnu" Kinnunen, bassist Kasperi Kinnunen, and drummer Lacu Lahtinen.


A single and video for the track 'Everything Must Burn' is out today. Watch the music video below, and pre-order/save Seven Worlds here.




T-ID's music draws inspiration from the core foundations of hard rock music, showcasing that feel-good factor that will get your adrenaline flowing.


After honing her skills as the frontwoman of a hard rock covers band, Mila Bosa wanted to take a new direction with her musical career by singing original songs and subsequently formed Transworld Identity. To help her fulfill her musical vision, she has been joined by a stellar cast of bandmates.


Drummer Lacu Lahtinen is a showman behind the kit, who has spent time in Hanoi Rocks and vocalist Michael Monroe's solo band. Since 2008, Lacu has been part of one of Finland’s biggest bands, Popeda (who recently announced their disbandment). Guitarist Mika "Lamppari" Lamminsivu was a founding member of Baby Green and, later, progressive rockers Technical Justice. He has also played with Michael Monroe and Dave Lindholm. Keyboardist Juha "Junnu" Kinnunen's resume includes gigs with many big names, including a long stint with Finnish rock legend Muska Babitzin. He has also played alongside Marco Hietala and Ryan Roxie. Bassist Kasperi Kinnunen, despite his young age, is a very accomplished multi-instrumentalist. Aside from being keyboardist Junnu's son, Kasperi is also known for his other band Metallileka and the multiple musicals he has been in.


The Nordics have an established track record of producing top-notch hard rock and metal music and Finland's Transworld Identity continue that fine tradition.





Seven Worlds tracklisting:


"Everything Must Burn"
"Play & Pretend"
"I'm Such A Liar"
"Part Maroon, Part Indigo"
"Time"
"Starchild"
"Seven Worlds"
"In For The Long Haul"
"Livin' On The Run"
"I Never Lost My Faith"
"Roseate"


"Everything Must Burn" video:





Lineup:


Mila Bosa - Vocals
Mika Lamminsivu - Guitar
Lacu Lahtinen - Drums
Juha Kinnunen - Keyboards
Kasperi Kinnunen - Bass

FOREIGNER lead singer Kelly Hansen spoke to Rob Rush Radio about the legendary rockers' recent announcement that they were embarking on their farewell tour. The trek is set to launch on July 6 at Atlanta's Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. For the first leg of the U.S. Live Nation-produced tour, FOREIGNER will be joined by LOVERBOY.

Asked if this is indeed FOREIGNER's final tour, Hansen said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Our plan is to do this into 2024. I've been asked many times by many different people to continue doing this. And, really, for me, it's a matter of being able to perform these songs at the level they deserve and that the fans deserve, and I cannot allow myself to do less than that, just as a human being.

"It's gotten tougher and tougher every year to sing this great catalog of songs," he admitted. "And it maybe sounds like I'm whining. I'm not trying to whine; I'm really fortunate to be able to have done this and do this with the band. It's just I don't wanna sacrifice the quality of these songs and the performance of these songs. So I think it's better to say, 'You know what? I'm gonna leave here strong and let the memory of this live thing be strong as well."

Asked what he will miss the most about touring with FOREIGNER, Kelly said: "Amazing crowds and amazing band. I mean, what a great band with people that we all enjoy being around each other. We enjoy each other's company, and playing a catalog of songs that you couldn't dream of, you couldn't buy. And as a singer, to sing so many hits songs — from the start of the show to the end of the show, there's no fluff or filler — and that's just a dream to have happen. And so I'm gonna miss all that. And it's been a hard decision to make, but I think you have to get on to these things early and make sure you're doing the right thing. I've seen far too many other live entities happen that I really feel shouldn't be out there anymore."

When FOREIGNER's final tour was first announced last November, the band's leader and founder Mick Jones said: "Many years ago, I wrote a song called 'Feels Like The First Time', and today we are launching one last worldwide tour. We will be presenting a show that I know will have the same enthusiasm as our very first appearances. The tour will start this summer in America and we hope to get to every place that we have played over the last several years. While I'm sure our fans will have mixed feelings about the end of the road for the band, I know our shows are going to delight audiences everywhere."

Jones continues to elevate FOREIGNER's influence and guide the band to new horizons with his stylistic songwriting, indelible guitar hooks and multi-layered talents while Hansen, one of rock's greatest showmen, has led FOREIGNER into the digital age inspiring a whole new generation of fans. Bassist Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein on keyboards, guitarist Bruce Watson, Chris Frazier on drums and guitarist Luis Maldonado provide an unprecedented level of energy that has resulted in the re-emergence of the astounding music that speaks to FOREIGNER's enduring popularity. FOREIGNER has an extraordinary streaming and radio audience.

With more Top 10 hits than JOURNEY and ten multi-platinum albums, FOREIGNER is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll's most enduring anthems, including "Juke Box Hero", "Cold As Ice", "Hot Blooded", "Waiting For A Girl Like You", "Feels Like The First Time", "Urgent", "Head Games", "Say You Will", "Dirty White Boy", "Long, Long Way From Home" and the worldwide No. 1 hit "I Want To Know What Love Is", FOREIGNER still rocks the charts more than 40 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard Top 200 album success. Streams of FOREIGNER's hits are approaching 15 million per week.

The only remaining original member of FOREIGNER, Jones suffered from some health issues beginning in 2011, eventually resulting in heart surgery in 2012. Ever since, it is never announced whether he will be appearing with the band for specific shows — it just depends how he is feeling.

After singer Lou Gramm left FOREIGNER in 2003, Jones took some time off before regrouping a couple years later with an entirely new lineup, featuring Hansen and Pilson, among others.

In 2018, Gramm revealed that he was retiring from touring as a solo artist. The vocalist made the announcement just months after he participated in FOREIGNER's "Double Vision: Then And Now" concerts, which featured current and original members of the band, including Jones, drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, bassist Rick Wills and guitarist/saxophonist Ian McDonald.

Gramm was the voice on FOREIGNER's biggest hits, including "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice" from the band's eponymous debut in 1977, and later songs like "Hot Blooded" and "I Want To Know What Love Is".

Photo credit: Krishta Abruzzini

ICED EARTH guitarist Jon Schaffer, who pleaded guilty nearly two years ago to his role in the Capitol riot, is continuing to cooperate with authorities while on pre-sentencing release.

In a status report filed on Tuesday (January 24) in federal court in Washington, D.C., Schaffer's attorney Andrew C. Marcantel of Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm wrote that Schaffer "remains on release under the supervision of the District of Columbia Pre-Trial Services Department. He has remained compliant with pre-trial release conditions.

"The Defendant's cooperation plea agreement was the first plea of the several hundred Capitol Riot cases and has involved cooperation in the largest conspiracy arising out of the incident that has been indicted to date. He has remained cooperative with law enforcement since his release, and his cooperation is ongoing."

The attorney went on to say that he "has discussed this Joint Status Report with counsel for the government, who is in agreement," and also asked for an opportunity "to file a joint status update on or about March 27th, 2023."

According to an April 2021 Justice Department press release, Schaffer has "acknowledged he is a founding lifetime member" of the right-wing Oath Keepers extremist group.

In January 2022, U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta granted the U.S. government's request to share sealed materials from the case involving Schaffer's role in the U.S. Capitol riot case as discovery to the three main Oath Keepers cases.

Last November, Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers, was found guilty of seditious conspiracy and other offenses in connection with the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. A federal jury in Washington, D.C., also convicted Rhodes of obstructing an official proceeding and tampering with documents. He was acquitted of two other conspiracy counts.

In December 2021, a lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. accusing 31 members of Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys — including Schaffer — of "conspiring to terrorize the District" on January 6, 2021, calling their actions "a coordinated act of domestic terrorism." According to CNN, the lawsuit cited the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, a federal law created after the Civil War to protect civil rights and, as District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine noted, "to protect against vigilantes and insurrectionists."

"I think the damages are substantial," Racine told The Washington Post. "If it so happens that it bankrupts or puts these individuals and entities in financial peril, so be it."

The 84-page complaint described Schaffer as "a founding, lifetime member of the Oath Keepers." It went on to say: "Schaffer was criminally charged and indicted for his role in perpetrating the January 6th Attack. In connection with a promise to cooperate with investigators and potentially testify in criminal cases related to the conspiracy to commit the January 6th Attack, Schaffer pleaded guilty to the entire Statement of Offense in the criminal action brought against him, which included two felony offenses: (1) trespass of the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon and (2) obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress. The criminal Complaint filed against Schaffer—as well as Schaffer's Plea Agreement and the accompanying Statement of Offense describing his conduct—are publicly available documents that are hereby incorporated into the Complaint by reference."

"No one bore the brunt of this gutless attack more than the courageous law enforcement officers including the men and women of the DC Metropolitan Police Department who went into the fire and violence with one objective in mind: remove the violent mob and restore our country's fragile democracy," Racine said at a news conference.

"The defendants, as you know, were not tourists, nor were they acting patriotically," he added. "They were vigilantes, members of a mob, insurrectionists who sought to crush our country's freedoms."

Last October, The Republic reported that process servers tasked with hand-delivering notice to Schaffer that the District of Columbia was suing him had been unable to notify the musician that legal action was being taken against him. At least 25 separate attempts to serve Schaffer at seven different addresses across three different states had been made but he had managed to evade process servers and private investigators who had been on his trail for months.

As part of his April 2021 plea deal, Jon entered into a cooperation agreement with the government.

Although Schaffer 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. The first charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, while the second carries up to a 10-year prison term.

In his plea agreement, Schaffer acknowledged that on January 6, 2021 he was in Washington to attend the "Stop The Steal" rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. to protest the results of the presidential election, which he believed were fraudulent. Schaffer wore a tactical vest and carried bear spray, a dangerous weapon and chemical irritant used to ward off bears. When the rally finished, Schaffer joined a large crowd that marched from the Ellipse to the Capitol, where a joint session of Congress, presided over by Vice President Michael Pence, was in session to certify the electoral college vote results. Shortly after 2:00 p.m., members of the mob forced entry into the Capitol building, disrupting the joint session and causing members of Congress and the Vice President to be evacuated from the House and Senate chambers.

In his plea agreement, Schaffer admitted that after arriving on Capitol grounds, he walked past barriers intended to restrict access to the public and to a set of locked doors on the Capitol's west side. At approximately 2:40 p.m., Schaffer positioned himself at the front of a crowd that broke open a set of doors being guarded by four U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers wearing riot gear. Schaffer admitted to being among the first individuals to push past the damaged doors and into the Capitol building, forcing officers to retreat. Schaffer and others advanced toward five or six backpedaling USCP officers while members of the mob swelled inside of the Capitol and overwhelmed the officers. The officers ultimately deployed a chemical irritant to disperse the mob. Schaffer was among the people who were sprayed in the face, after which he exited while holding his own bear spray in his hands.

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.

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

The 54-year-old musician was the first Capitol riot defendant to reach a plea deal.

The Indiana chapter of the Oath Keepers distanced itself from Schaffer after his arrest, claiming he was not a member of the local group. But the national organization, which sold lifetime memberships for $1,200, had not commented on his alleged affiliation with the group.

At a November 2020 Donald Trump rally in Washington, D.C., Schaffer was videotaped walking behind a Florida couple, Kelly Meggs and Connie Meggs, who were accused of being among 10 members of the Oath Keepers to have played a leading role in the Capitol assault. According to federal authorities, Kelly and Connie Meggs plotted for weeks ahead of the attack, attended training sessions and recruited others. Kelly Meggs is the head of the Oath Keepers' chapter in Florida.

Following the initial reports that Schaffer was involved in the riot, his ICED EARTH bandmates distanced themselves from his actions. Singer Stu 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.
Jon Schaffer's cooperation continues. Next report in 60 days. https://t.co/uNcOtO9DTi

— M & M Enterprises (@sfoguj) January 24, 2023

In a new interview with Troy Culpan of May The Rock Be With You, HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale expressed her hope that she and her bandmates will have "a new record — kind of — set and figured out" by the end of 2023. And "maybe [even] done," HALESTORM guitarist Joe Hottinger said, adding that "the gears are" turning with regard to writing the follow-up to 2022's "Back From The Dead".

"['Back From The Dead'] hasn't even been out a year… We're leaving in a few days to head Down Under [for an Australian tour], and we're just churning right now with new ideas and thoughts and pictures of the next record," Joe said. "I'm excited to get some writing going. Get through this run and start hustling down here [in the studio]."

Continued Lzzy: "Joe and I were hanging out last night, and it was just, like, all these new ideas and new titles and new riffs and stuff. And we got really excited about it. Like, 'Is it happening? Is the feeling happening again?'"

Said Joe: "That last record just kind of drained us. We were so happy to get out on the road and not think about that sort of thing and think about rock shows and touring and traveling and having fun and seeing places and seeing all our old friends. So we've been doing that for over a year now. So it's, like, 'All right.' The old gears are turning new again."

This past December, HALESTORM released a deluxe edition of "Back From The Dead". "Back From The Dead: Deluxe Edition" includes seven previously unreleased B-sides, including "Mine", a 1980s-inspired rocker. "Back From The Dead: Deluxe Edition" is available digitally, on CD, and cassette tape, marking the first time that the album has been offered in those physical formats.

Lzzy (vocals, guitar) and her brother Arejay (drums) formed HALESTORM in 1998 while in middle school. Hottinger joined the group in 2003, followed by bassist Josh Smith in 2004.

In December 2018, HALESTORM was nominated for a "Best Rock Performance" Grammy Award for its song "Uncomfortable". Six years earlier, the band won its first Grammy in the category of "Best Hard Rock/ Metal Performance" for "Love Bites (So Do I)".

Finnish progressive metal band Sum Of Seven released a new single and music video ''The Monster…The King'". The track is released in collaboration with Inverse Records. Pick it up via digital platforms found here.


Guitarist Ari Lempinen comments: "In the song 'The Monster…The King' we wanted to give more room to the instruments to tell the story supporting the vocals. The song flows with tasty solos and tight riffs in synergy with Marko’s vocals and dances between succulent blasting and a relaxing respite. The music reflects the atmosphere of the lyrics, which dive deep into a dreamlike space where the monsters and kings within us are in juxtaposition. The music video features the skilled breakdancer Jose Granados aka Bboy Kalaco who interprets the mood and the message of the song with his skillful moves."


Check out the video below.







Line-up:


Ari Lempinen: Guitar, backing vocals
Esa Lempinen: Keyboards
Rasmus Raassina: Drums
Harri Annala: Guitar
Miika Erkkilä: Bass
Marko Loukamaa: Vocals

The Convalescence is a five-member symphonic deathcore band formed in Toledo, Ohio in 2011. The Convalescence blends black metal / horror theatrics with intense death metal style blast beats and shredding guitar, along with brutal slamming breakdowns and catchy melodies. Since their inception, they have amassed an impressive discography including five full-length albums, and have toured extensively across the planet. The latest from them is the single “No Survivors” featuring Scott Ian Lewis of Carnifex, accompanied by a claymation music video. Vocalist Keith Wampler details the single and the upcoming album:


“The single is one of the hardest-hitting songs we’ve ever released. The lyrics and video were inspired by the Alien films, and having Scott doing some nasty guest vocals really helped give it the brutality we were looking for. We played it live throughout our recent European Tour and absolutely loved the energy it brings to the stage. We’re looking forward to this one being a part of our live show for many tours to come. This new album is basically like one big horror movie, song by song each one tells a story. Each one is brutal in its own way.”







The Convalescence expects the album will be received well by the fans, as they do their very best to step things up on each record. They worked with producer Jason Suecof on this one at Audiohammer Studios in Florida, who has worked with most of their favorite bands (The Black Dahlia Murder, Carnifex, Deicide, Job For A Cowboy) and they were beyond stoked he was down to do the recording with them. In their opinion, they’ve created the heaviest The Convalescence album so far. The full-length was mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) and is expected for release summer 2023.


In live news, The Convalescence will be hitting the road this coming March for the "No Survivors Tour" with support from Casket Robbery and Ignominious. Confirmed dates are as listed:


March
10 - Jackson, MI - The Music Box
11 - Toledo, OH - Main Street Bar & Grill
12 - New Haven, IN - Carl's Tavern
13 - Louisville, KY - Mag Bar
14 - Overland Park, KS - Vivo Live Events
15 - Tulsa, OK - The Whittier Bar
16 - Fort Worth, TX - The Rail Club DFW
17 - San Antonio, TX - Bonds Rock Bar
18 - Houston, TX - House Of Blues
19 - New Orleans, LA - Gasa Gasa
20 - Pensacola, FL - The Handlebar
21 - Sanford, FL - West End Trading Co.
22 - Murfreesboro, TN - Crossroads
23 - Knoxville, TN - Brickyard Bar & Grill
24 - Lakewood, OH - The Foundry
25 - Chesterfield, MI - Diesel Concert Lounge





 

New Wave of Swedish Death Metal architects, In Flames, will release their 14th studio album, Foregone, via Nuclear Blast on February 10. The band recently released the video for "Meet Your Maker", which can be seen below.


Guitarist Chris Broderick, formerly of Megadeth, Jag Panzer, and Nevermore, has filmed a live playthrough video of that song.







"Meet Your Maker" is a pulsating track with hypnotizing power and furious anger. Like a raw nerve exposed, the song speaks of the desperation and frustration brought on by the chaotic dystopia of post-pandemic society.


Frontman Anders Fridén states, "When we started to write for Foregone, 'Meet Your Maker' became the song that set the tone in terms of what we were aiming for sonically as well as thematically. You'll see it's everything you've come to expect from In Flames and some. Enjoy and see you on the road in 2023!"





Foregone features artwork designed by Blake Armstrong.





Foregone will be available in the following formats:


- 2LP Black
- 2LP White w/ Black Marble
- 2LP Crystal Clear w/ Red Splatter —Nuclear Blast Mail-order Exclusive
- 2LP Dark Green – Sweden Rock Exclusive
- 2LP Crystal Clear – EMP Exclusive
- 2LP Gold – Nordic Exclusive
- 2LP Gold w/ Black Marble – Nuclear Blast Mail-order + selected retailers
- 2LP Red – USA Retail
- 2LP White – Revolver Exclusive (USA)
- 2LP Sun Yellow – Gimme Radio Exclusive (USA)
- 2LP Red w/ Black – In Flames Bandshop Exclusive
- Boxset – 2LP Picture Disc + CD Digipack + Pocket Watch + Sticker + 28-page booklet
- Limited Edition Digipack (inc. bonus track)
- Jewelcase
- Brown Transparent Cassette – Nuclear Blast Mail-order Exclusive
- Red Transparent Cassette – In Flames Bandshop Exclusive
- CD Longbox — CD Jewel in a Longbox w/ Sticker & Button
- Dark Yellow w/ Green/Blue Cassette (NBA Exclusive)
- Green Tint w/ White Cassette (Band Exclusive)


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"The Beginning Of All Things That Will End"
"State Of Slow Decay"
"Meet Your Maker"
"Bleeding Out"
"Foregone Pt. 1"
"Foregone Pt. 2"
"Pure Light Of Mind"
"The Great Deceiver"
"In The Dark"
"A Dialogue in b Flat Minor"
"Cynosure"
"End The Transmission"


"Foregone Pt. 1" visualizer:





"State Of Slow Decay" video:





In Flames lineup:


Anders Fridén - Vocals
Björn Gelotte - Guitar/Vocals
Chris Broderick - Guitar
Tanner Wayne - Drums
Bryce Paul - Bass


 

On April 7, rock icons KISS will release the next installment of their "Off The Soundboard" official live bootleg series with "Off The Soundboard: Poughkeepsie, New York, 1984". Recorded live at the Mid-Hudson Arena on November 28, 1984, during the "Animalize" world tour, this is the fifth in a series of live releases by the band and will be available to stream and download, with a two-LP standard black vinyl set, CD, and a limited edition two-LP set pressed on 180g custard yellow vinyl which are available to pre-order now exclusively through the official KISSonline store.

The multi-platinum band's fifth authorized "Soundboard" live release comes from the November 28, 1984 "Animalize" tour show at the Mid-Hudson Arena in Poughkeepsie, New York, featuring the only known soundboard recording with guitarist Mark St. John. While the tracks "Young And Wasted" and "Rock And Roll All Nite" from this historic show are incomplete due to a tape change and tape space — these recordings were originally for archival use — this live recording is of historical importance due to St. John's appearance.

"Off The Soundboard: Poughkeepsie, New York" finds the legendary band in the midst of the U.S. leg of their successful "Animalize" world tour with the short-lived lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Carr and St. John. The career-spanning 18-song set includes such tracks as "Creatures Of The Night", "I Love It Loud", "Lick It Up" and 1984's "Heaven's On Fire", which hit No. 49 U.S. Billboard chart. "Poughkeepsie, New York" also features perennial KISS anthems "Detroit Rock City", "Love Gun" and "Rock And Roll All Nite" from their classic back catalog.

KISS are globally recognized as one of the greatest live bands of all time and are the creators of what is universally considered the best live album ever, 1975's gold-certified and No. 9 Billboard-charting "Alive!" The "Off The Soundboard" series continues their storied legacy of groundbreaking live albums with a document of the spectacular, larger-than-life extravaganza that is a KISS concert.

Known for their trademark performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock n roll. The Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. Peerless as a live act, the band's illustrious legacy has been marked by record breaking global tours during a remarkable 50-year career.

"Off The Soundboard: Poughkeepsie, NY" track listing:

01. Detroit Rock City
02. Cold Gin
03. Creatures Of The Night
04. Fits Like A Glove
05. Heaven's On Fire
06. Guitar Solo
07. Under the Gun
08. War Machine
09. Drum Solo
10. Young and Wasted (incomplete)
11. Bass Solo
12. I Love It Loud
13. I Still Love You
14. Love Gun
15. Black Diamond
16. Oh! Susanna
17. Lick It Up
18. Rock And Roll All Nite (incomplete)

GXTP, the exciting newly formed rock band fronted by award-winning multi-platinum hitmaker Jason Paul (a.k.a. Poo Bear),Triple Sixx and Sasha Sirota, launched a journey of epic cinematic proportions with their new single "Contraband" featuring MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee. The group also released a performance video, with an appearance by Lee.

"Contraband" is a captivating introduction into the world of GXTP and their forthcoming album, due later this year.

GXTP, whose name stands for "guns and toilet paper," two of the most hoarded items during the beginning of the COVID pandemic, was born out of conversation between Poo Bear and Triple Sixx (a.k.a. Nabeel Zahid). The result is a massive new conceptual project which marries the songwriting and producing of some of the music industry's top hitmakers into a group that is as hard-rocking as it is a fun, new interactive experience for listeners. In addition to Lee, music lovers can look forward to more big-name cameos and big records from their new favorite rock band, GXTP.

"It all stems from the pandemic and a poem," says Poo Bear. "At the time there was a shortage of guns and toilet paper. I read a poem by our partner Triple Sixx, and I said to him 'this poem feels like a rock song, brother.' We ended up turning that poem into a band."

"Contraband" introduces a world where the group sets off on a quest to recover stolen treasure. Fans are able to aid the group by going on to GXTP's web site, here, where they are introduced to a map that will be unlocked in the lead up to album release. Merging music with the power of Web3, fans can also participate in a series of puzzles that will allow them to win free digital collectibles and more along the way.

In September 2022, GXTP released their debut single "Foresight". You can expect new content from GXTP soon, including a larger-than-life music video.

Never ones to shy away from wearing emotions on their sleeves, prolific rockers ATREYU have unleashed a brand new single, "Drowning", today. The track delivers massive breakdowns, catchy hooks, and soaring performances. The cathartic subject matter sees the group battling through individual struggles with depression and feeling overwhelmed by life itself, but ultimately finding healing from the honest expression of those feelings.

Commenting on the meaning behind "Drowning", ATREYU shares: "To the five of us, this song is audio anti-depressants. Much like everyone does, the five of us have experienced waves of depression, anxiety, and fear in vastly different ways. This song is about feeling buried. We have found comfort in simply communicating those feelings with each other, and hope you will arrive in a similar place when listening. This song is for all of us."

In contrast to its heavy message, ATREYU shares a perfectly jocular music video for "Drowning" that will have you running for the local pool to shake off those existential blues.

After touring heavily in North America for the last two years in support of their latest album "Baptize", ATREYU will kick off its European trek with BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and JINJER on Sunday, January 29.

"Baptize" marked ATREYU's first album since the departure of vocalist Alex Varkatzas in September 2020. The LP showcased ATREYU's current lineup consisting of Brandon Saller focusing completely on singing after previously sharing lead vocals with Varkatzas for most of the band's two-decade-plus existence. Sitting behind the kit is Saller's HELL OR HIGHWATER bandmate Kyle Rosa, who had filled in for Saller on drums in 2019 after Varkatzas bowed out of the band's European tour while dealing with serious back and hernia issues.

Photo by Dennis Larance

Legendary drummer Carmine Appice, who worked as Rod Stewart's kit-man in the 1970s and 1980s, co-writing Stewart hits "Young Turks" and "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy", spoke to the "Music Biz Weekly Podcast" about his decision to sell his songwriter share of some of his most popular songs. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "There's no money in songwriting anymore. There's no money in selling records. I've got all these gold records on the wall; nobody gets those anymore. And that's how you make money.

"The only way to make any money today is if you get a song on Netflix or you get a song in a movie," he explained. "That's the only way to get money. 'Cause the streaming business is ridiculously useless.

"The reason why I sold my songs was because there's no more royalties; they're very little. Because everything went to streaming, and streaming destroyed the music business, as far as I'm concerned. I won't even listen to Spotify or any of those things; I won't listen to 'em 'cause they're ripping the musicians off so bad. When you talk about young musicians, they have no chance — unless they somehow know how to get all these hits on YouTube. I don't know how to do that."

Later in the interview, Carmine reiterated his belief that he wouldn't know how to go about making money if he was starting out as a musician today. "I don't know how these bands come out and they get two million views on YouTube, or they get four hundred thousand people on Facebook and Instagram," he said. "I don't really know that stuff; I don't have a clue how to do that. So they probably know how to do that better than me. But still, when they do that, the only money [that] could be made from that is going out on tour and playing gigs and [selling] merchandise. Even if you don't have a bigger name, you open up for somebody, you do merchandise and you make some money. And you get big, and it's all about touring and merchandise. You get crappy money from Spotify. And the labels, they don't sell CDs anymore. They might sell a little vinyl, but there's no money in it."

Appice is the original drummer of VANILLA FUDGE, with whom he still records and performs today. He has also played with CACTUS and BECK, BOGERT & APPICE, in addition to spending stints in the bands of Ozzy Osbourne and Stewart. Carmine was named the 28th greatest drummer of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

Appice is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished showmen in rock and is the recipient of numerous awards, including dozens of gold- and platinum-selling records. Carmine has broken new ground in every aspect of his career as a performer, as a teacher, and as a writer, and he continues to inspire drummers and listeners throughout the world with his originality and his unwavering dedication to the art of drumming.

Carmine's autobiography, "Stick It!: My Life Of Sex, Drums, And Rock 'N' Roll", was released in May 2016 by Chicago Review Press.

Under the moniker APPICE, Carmine and his brother Vinny released "Sinister", their first joint studio album, in October 2017 through SPV/Steamhammer.

LAMB OF GOD vocalist Randy Blythe and former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson performed a cover of METALLICA's "One" during THE STOWAWAYS' second set on the ShipRocked cruise earlier today (Thursday, January 26) on the Carnival Magic as they departed the Dominican Republic. Video of the performance can be seen below (courtesy of the Metal EdgeYouTube channel).

Ellefson shared the video on social media and wrote: "Great time jamming @metallica 'One' featuring Randy Blythe on vocals with THE STOWAWAYS on @shiprocked Cruise today!"

Back in May 2021, Blythe was asked in an interview with I Ask No One With Kevin Re, if he ever got any piece of advice from METALLICA's James Hetfield when LAMB OF GOD and METALLICA toured together more than a decade ago. He responded: "James is a cool dude. I got sober on a METALICA tour — I got sober on a METALLICA tour in Australia. And I'll just say that James Hetfield helped me out a lot with that. Actually, four or five guys on METALLICA's crew were sober. Three of us actually got sober on that tour and have been sober to this day. And that was over 10 years ago.

"James is a good dude, man," he reiterated. "The last time I saw James was in Oakland when we took C.O.C. out, and James showed up and played a song with C.O.C. He hung out for a little bit. He had driven a Tesla. He had this super-fast fuckin'… He's like a gearhead. We were backstage at this place in Oakland, and I was, like, 'Woah! That's a fucking expensive-looking car. I wonder whose car that is.' And then somebody [said], 'Oh, that's James's.' And I was, like, 'Duh.' He's a total gearhead.

"He's a good guy, man — a really good guy with a really good heart," Blythe added. "I love him to death."

Randy went on to praise Hetfield's bandmates, saying, "All the guys in METALLICA were nothing but absolutely lovely to us — absolutely lovely. People will be, like, talking [crap] about their later music or whatever. And it's, like, 'Did you write 'Master Of Puppets'? No, you did not. Shut the fuck up.' You know what I mean? Or, 'Did you write any classic records that will go down in rock and roll history? No, you did not. They did. So shut the fuck up.'

"METALLICA does not have to carry anyone out as openers," he continued. "Their shows sell out before the openers are announced. They don't have to do that. They carry bands out that they wanna give a shot [to]. And you're definitely playing to a METALLICA crowd when you [are opening for them], so you've gotta keep that cognizant. These people are there to see METALLICA, so you'd better bring your fucking A-game. But they're super fucking cool. And it's not like when you're backstage where it's, like, 'Oh, METALLICA is over there. Don't look at them,' whatever. It's, like, you see 'em — they're just regular fucking human beings."

In a September 2020 interview with Detroit's WRIF radio station, Ellefson was asked if he and Dave Mustaine paid close attention to what METALLICA was doing in the early years of MEGADETH's existence. Ellefson said: "Oh, of course. I mean, look, we are all just a branch off the METALLICA family tree. I mean, let's face it. Especially MEGADETH, with Dave being there [in the early days of METALLICA, and then me being a branch off of Dave with MEGADETH. So, I mean, look, we owe everything to METALLICA. Those guys broke down the doors for every one of us — ANTHRAX, SLAYER. Bands today — LAMB OF GOD, PANTERA — none of this would have happened without METALLICA being up there as the 800-pound gorilla just carving the path through the jungle that would have never let heavy metal in. The stuff that they able to do and the size and the scope of which they were able to break those doors down, it changed all of our lives — as musicians, as fans, as everything. That's why I think when they did the 'Big Four' [shows] with us in 2010 and '11, that was just such a great olive branch."

The now-ex-MEGADETH bassist continued: "As Scott Ian [ANTHRAX] said, it's like we're all brothers of the same family, it's just that one of our brothers went off and became Microsoft [laughs], and that was METALLICA. It's, like, how the hell did you do that? That's amazing. You changed the world. But the fact that they came back and, again, offered that olive branch to us and just said, 'Hey, we were all in this together. Let's celebrate what we did together so many years ago.' And I think that speaks volumes to just how cool METALLICA is."

In 2019, Ellefson said that he got Mustaine's "blessing" to audition for the bassist position in METALLICA after Jason Newsted left the band 22 years ago. David went on to say that he learned how to play some of METALLICA's songs in preparation for what he thought would be an audition with the group but that the opportunity never materialized.

Back in 2011, Mustaine said that he was relieved that Ellefson wasn't invited to join METALLICA after the tragic death of Cliff Burton.

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