DESTRUCTION frontman Schmier has once again blasted bands who rely heavily on backing tracks during their concerts, saying "many rock acts betray their fans with pre-recorded tracks to have a flawless live performance."

In recent years, more and more artists have been given a pass for relying on pre-recorded tracks, drum triggers and other assorted technology that makes concerts more synthetic but also more consistent. For better or worse, pre-recorded tracks are becoming increasingly common for touring artists of all levels and genres and they're not just used in pop music — many rock artists utilize playback tracks to varying degrees.

Schmier addressed some rock acts' reliance on pre-recorded tracks in a social media post on Monday (January 16). The 56-year-old German musician shared a graphic for a festival called No Playback Festival, and he included the following message: "The difference between Rock N Roll and Pop music was always that we play live and they use backing tracks. That has sadly changed. Many rock acts betray their fans with pre-recorded tracks to have a flawless live performance. Do the fans really want that? Or do they want honesty and a raw live feeling of real musicians playing real instruments and not computers playing their fave songs for the hard earned ticked money? I made a stand about this a long time ago but it got worst since. Now I just saw a Romanian promoter slandering my band cause I spoke out against backing track bands on his festival before.

"Sorry but there is no excuse to use a laptop. Play live or go home ... if you have pride and you are musician, stop the cheating!!!

"There is this festival near Karlsruhe/Germany from fans for fans that want real honest live music. This is a real GEM nowadays ...support real music - not laptops! #noplaybackfestival"

After some of the people commenting below his post disagreed with his sentiments, suggesting that there are circumstances under which the use of enhancements is acceptable, Schmier fired back: "sorry but its all freakin bullshit. If you wanna listen to a laptop and pay money for it ok. I do NOT and it is not neccesary to find excuses to cheat - just don t … I have ZERO tolerance cause it is the beginning of the end. It is called LIVE for a reason! Play live or go home …"

He added: No song EVER needs backing tracks sorry. Excuses from overproduced studio recording are lame as fuck. Do it live like the rock bands always did. Imagine the BEATLES were like: 'well live we can not do it really – need a little help …'"

Schmier also clarified his original comments, writing: "The problem is you don t know what really is LIVE anymore, once the backing track is running. So to justify choirs is also wrong. It is all a cheap cheat. What happened to handmade music? Do you think the BEATLES would have used backing tracks as well cause it is easy???"

The DESTRUCTION bassist/vocalist went on to explain that he has nothing against bands using intro tapes or relying on a click track to keep from rushing tempos.

"Intros are Intros and nobody is faking to play them, they are a tool to announce shows and build up tension," he wrote. "A click-track is an important tool to keep the band tight and has nothing to do with fake instruments, choirs or vocals coming of a pre-recorded hard disc. Musician to me, means to play live and real. But the word 'live' lost the meaning to many so called 'musicians'. There is even bands which play their whole show from a hard disc...and then play along the playback."

Schmier previously discussed the use of pre-recorded tapes at rock concerts during a 2016 interview with Metal Forces magazine. Speaking about the DESTRUCTION track "Elegant Pigs", which addressed that very topic, Schmier said: "It's just a sad fact that a lot of rock and metal bands nowadays are using backing-track tape for backing up the band, with vocals, and strings, and backing vocals, and guitars, and keyboards, and all kinds of shit. For me, when you play live, there should be no backing track. A lot of vocalists also back up their whole lead vocals with backing tracks nowadays, and that's a very sad fact. In that song 'Elegant Pigs', I'm asking 'What the fuck happened to rock 'n' roll?' It's lying. The fans don't know when the band is cheating, but for me it's a fucking topic that I want to talk about. A lot of my musician friends don't like the fact that I'm talking about it, but I don't care. For me, rock 'n' roll is a holy spirit, and it's a fucking no-go to do this in this kind of music. A lot of pop bands have been doing this for generations, but not in heavy metal. Yeah, I'm dealing with stuff that is basically bothering me. It's also a big release for me to write lyrics — kind of my own psychological session."

Regarding why some rock bands use backing tracks, Schmier said at the time: "I think there are different reasons. What I hear on times, of course, is that the big bands are doing it so they sound live like they do on the record. They say, 'The big bands are doing it, too. I wanna sound good live,' and so then they use all of this backing stuff. Then there's another reason, which is that there are a generation of singers that can't do it anymore, or could never do it. Then they're backing up their vocals; the high parts, the melodic parts, the harmonies. They're backing them up with all of those backing tracks. Then there's a third thing, which is the new generation. The new generation is the laptop generation, who grew up producing their albums on their own laptops. When you go onstage, you just flip out that laptop, and then you have like 20 backing tracks running with the band. I see this a lot with all of the new bands. There's one singer, and he's singing in three harmonies live, and it's, like, 'What the fuck?' It's different. It goes from generation to generation — it's not just the old guys that can't do it any more. It's also a new thing which the young guys do too."

DESTRUCTION's latest studio album, "Diabolical", came out in April 2022 via Napalm Records.

The difference between Rock N Roll and Pop music was always that we play live and they use backing tracks.

That has...

Posted by Schmier Fink on Monday, January 16, 2023

Onward guitarist Toby Knapp has checked in with the following update:


"I was recording my solo album, Transmission To Purgatory, and became very bored with the material. I boxed the album up and starting writing different music. The aforementioned material turned into a Waxen album titled Die Macht Von Hassen. I became very interested in this new music and I think the listeners will enjoy it. 


After my last Waxen album, Blasphemer In Celestial Courts (2019), I didn't want to be connected to black metal because I dislike how it's almost become popular culture. It's a fashion and a lot of the new bands don't even understand what the music stood for. It's not for everyone and it was created that way."




This will be Waxen's sixth album and Knapp's tenth release through Moribund Records, tentatively scheduled for a spring 2023 release. 


The postponed solo album will still be finished and released. 

Founding SCREAMING TREES bassist Van Conner has died at age 55. The news of his passing was announced earlier today (Wednesday, January 18) in a Facebook post by Van's brother, SCREAMING TREES guitarist Gary Lee Conner.

Gary wrote: "Van Conner bassist and song writer of SCREAMING TREES died last night of an extended illness at 55 It was pneumonia that got him in the end. He was one of the closest friends I ever had and I loved him immensely. I will miss him forever and ever and ever…"

Van formed SCREAMING TREES in 1985 in Ellensburg, Washington with Gary, singer Mark Lanegan and drummer Mark Pickerel. After the band's initial breakup in 2000, Van continued to write, produce and record music with his friends and family.

SCREAMING TREES were considered to be one of the pioneers of the Seattle grunge movement in the 1990s, along with THE MELVINS, MUDHONEY, SOUNDGARDEN, and more. The band released seven albums, five EPs and three compilation albums.

SCREAMING TREES' single "Nearly Lost You" was featured in the movie "Singles" and cracked the Top Five of the Billboard Modern Rock chart.

Lanegan died last February at age 57.

Let me put this letter on Van’s grave.
🌲🌑🌲🌑🌲🌑🌲🌑🌲🌑🌲🌑🌲🌑🌲
Van Conner bassist and song writer of Screaming Trees died last...

Posted by Gary Lee Conner on Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens says that he has lost more than 20 percent of his body weight since he changed his diet last year.

Earlier today (Tuesday, January 17),Owens took to his Instagram to share a full-body mirror selfie, and he included the following message: "I started working on losing weight last summer with eating less and hitting the gym everyday (which I've always done) It's been a slow process but here's how it's going, I'm at 165, I've Lost 50 lbs, 4 inches off my waist and I've gotten all new cloths."

He added: "I would like to thank everyone for the kind words along the way!"

Owens recently released a solo EP, "Return To Death Row". The effort was produced by Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Nick Bellmore (JASTA, DEE SNIDER). Players on the EP, which contain Owens's "heaviest songs yet," include Nick Bellmore, Charlie Bellmore (DEE SNIDER, ex-TOXIC HOLOCAUST) on guitar, and Chris Beaudette (JASTA, ENTEIRRO) on bass.

Owens is currently the frontman of KK'S PRIEST, featuring fellow former JUDAS PRIEST member K.K. Downing.

Owens joined PRIEST after being discovered when the band's drummer, Scott Travis, was given a videotape of him performing with the PRIEST cover act BRITISH STEEL. JUDAS PRIEST at the time was seeking a replacement for Rob Halford.

Owens recorded two studio albums with JUDAS PRIEST — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before the band reunited with Halford in 2003.

"Demolition" and "Jugulator" are included on "50 Heavy Metal Years Of Music", JUDAS PRIEST's 2021 limited-edition box set which contains every official live and studio album to date plus 13 unreleased discs.

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A post shared by Tim Ripper Owens (@timripperowensofficial)

Multi-platinum, chart-topping band SHINEDOWN is kicking off 2023 with the release of its new music video for next rock single "Dead Don't Die" from their hit album "Planet Zero". The defiant track, featuring pummeling drums and searing off-the-rails guitar solos, is a rousing declaration of survival and an anthem about the resilience of the human spirit after trying times. The cinematic video, filmed in London, was directed by Lewis Cater.

SHINEDOWN guitarist Zach Myers said: "'Dead Don't Die' is the first song I think any of us had ever brought in completed that really didn't go through some sort of major change. (Truly one of the greatest feelings I've had in this band.)

"I'm never a fan of talking about what songs mean because I feel like you put them in a box…but the song is about Brent [Smith, vocals], and the people like him…the strong-willed, refuse to give up, bend but never break human spirit. I've seen this man be at the bottom before, and pick himself up, and never stop trying to be better.

"I hope everyone feels something when they listen to it. I hope it makes you feel like you can run through a brick wall."

SHINEDOWN recently received iHeartRadio Music Award nominations for "Rock Artist Of The Year" and "Rock Song Of The Year" for No. 1 rock hit single "Planet Zero". The band also announced that they will play the Blue Ridge Rock Festival at The Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia this September.

"Planet Zero", produced by SHINEDOWN bassist Eric Bass, debuted in the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and the official U.K. albums chart, and at No. 1 on six other Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales, Rock, Hard Rock, and Alternative Albums charts. With songs like No. 1 rock hits "Planet Zero" and "Daylight", "Planet Zero" boldly confronts the societal forces that perpetuate divisiveness while offering a restorative path forward through empathy and open conversation — ultimately serving as a reminder that it is our human connections that matter the most.

SHINEDOWN brought "Planet Zero" to life across the globe last year, with the "Planet Zero" world tour culminating in a sold-out U.K. run at the end of 2022. The video for "Daylight", set to the Amazon Original version of the song, is a love letter to the band's fans from the tour and the impact of the song's message — that you are never alone — can be seen in the moving video.

"Planet Zero" is the latest addition to SHINEDOWN's record-breaking catalog that has earned the band recognition for their timely and relevant messages behind their chart-topping hits that resonate with not only their global audience and the rock community, but the greater public and our culture at large. With more than 6.5 billion global streams, 19 No. 1 Active Rock Hits, a Billboard record for the most mainstream rock No. 1 hits ever (18),15 platinum and gold singles, platinum or gold certification for all their albums, 10 million albums sold, countless sold-out arena tours, and major media praise, SHINEDOWN has cemented its status as one of the most vital and forward-thinking powerhouses in music.

Photo credit: Sanjay Parikh

Rock 'n' roll legend Ian Hunter has announced the release of his landmark new album, "Defiance Part 1", arriving via the Sun Records label on Friday, April 21, 2023.

Easily among the most star-studded original albums ever recorded, "Defiance Part 1" sees Hunter joined by the late, great Jeff Beck, Johnny Depp, Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD),Billy F Gibbons (ZZ TOP),Taylor Hawkins (FOO FIGHTERS),Duff McKagan (GUNS N' ROSES),Todd Rundgren, Slash (GUNS N' ROSES),Jeff Tweedy (WILCO),Robert Trujillo (METALLICA),Waddy Wachtel (STEVIE NICKS, KEITH RICHARDS),Brad Whitford (AEROSMITH),Dane Clark (JOHN MELLENCAMP),Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew (THE BOXMASTERS) and Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz (STONE TEMPLE PILOTS). "Defiance Part 1" is heralded by today's premiere of the nostalgic first single, "Bed Of Roses", featuring guitarist Mike Campbell (TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS, FLEETWOOD MAC) and drums by Ringo Starr, available today at all DSPs and streaming services. An official music video for "Bed Of Roses" premieres today on YouTube.

"It was a fluke," Ian Hunter says. "This was not planned. Really, I'm serious. I really couldn't believe some of them. I mean, it's amazing what's happened. It's been such a buzz."

Now in its seventh decade, Hunter's illustrious career has long been marked by collaboration, from the golden age of MOTT THE HOOPLE to his fabled partnership with Mick Ronson and 21st century renaissance with his crack backing combo, THE RANT BAND. Now, with "Defiance Part 1", the legendary singer-songwriter, author, and rock 'n' roll star takes creative solidarity to an unprecedented new level with spectacular accompaniment from a truly awe-inspiring roster of special guests, famous fans, and lifelong friends.

The album first came together in early 2020 with the dawn of the pandemic era. An inveterate hard worker, Hunter took the lockdown as a creative opportunity, writing a series of new songs which he tracked in his Connecticut basement alongside his longtime collaborator, guitarist/producer/multi-instrumentalist Andy York. Working with little more than a computer, guitar, V5 piano, and "a very small keyboard," Hunter and York created a collection of bare bones demos but with quarantine rules still in effect, were unable to flesh them out further by hitting the studio with THE RANT BAND. Manager Mike Kobayashi and renowned rock 'n' roll photographer Ross Halfin suggested reaching out to some of Hunter's fellow legends who might perhaps use some of their own lockdown to contribute a track or two. To Hunter's delight, the project quickly escalated, with a galaxy of stars clamoring to be involved. With time on their hands due the pandemic, his fellow musicians took the demos and stems that Hunter and York put together in his basement and added unforeseen power and creativity through their own trademark talents.

"Everybody's sitting around," says Hunter. "It's Covid. Nobody's going anywhere. We started sending them out. Slash started doing something. Robert Trujillo from METALLICA. Ringo Starr, Mike Campbell. Joe Elliott is on a few tracks. Johnny Depp said, 'Jeff Beck's with me and we'd like to do a couple of songs.' I know Todd Rundgren, I toured with Todd way back, he's done an amazing job. Billy Gibbons. Billy Bob Thornton and JD Andrew from THE BOXMASTERS. It's never ending. I mean, every day we'd get a phone call, this guy wants to do it, that guy wants to do it. It was like, I can't believe this."

Despite its genesis during the pandemic, "Defiance Part 1" is remarkably upbeat, ablaze with the life-affirming energy and unbridled passion that has marked Hunter's music since the start. Indeed, "Pavlov's Dog" is Hunter at his ferocious best, a snarling rocker featuring the surviving members of STONE TEMPLE PILOTS — brothers Dean DeLeo (guitar) and Robert DeLeo (bass) and Eric Kretz (drums). Songs like "I Hate Hate" and the album's rebellious title track — the latter showcasing the one and only Slash on guitar with Trujillo carrying the groove using the late Jaco Pastorius's signature fretless bass, the same instrument played by the legendary jazz musician on Hunter's groundbreaking second solo album, 1975's "All American Alien Boy" — offer indisputable evidence that Hunter's voice remains as uncompromising and provocative as ever before.

Having spent the better part of two years on the project, Hunter isn't done yet. As its title promises, "Defiance Part 1" will be followed by the arrival of "Defiance Part 2". The second chapter will feature an equally stunning range of special guests while projecting an entirely different thematic approach and songwriting aesthetic.

With the wind at his back, Hunter has somehow managed to pull off something impossible. "Defiance Part 1" is a full-speed-ahead rock 'n' roll record rarely heard in this day and age, recorded with a crew of irrefutable rock 'n' roll all-stars and released on the definitive rock 'n' roll label.

"There are a lot of reasons for calling this album 'Defiance'," says Ian Hunter. "It's like, people my age shouldn't be making records, blah, blah, blah. But we've still got a bit left."

Track listing:

01. Defiance

Dane Clark: Drums
Robert Trujillo: Bass
Slash: Electric, Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Dennis Dibrizzi: Background Vocal
Andy York: Background Vocal
Ian Hunter: Electric Guitar

02. Bed Of Roses

Ringo Starr: Drums
Tony Shanahan: Bass
Mike Campbell: Acoustic and Electric Rhythm Guitars, Slide Guitar, Mandolin
Andy Burton: Organ
Rich Pagano: Tambourine
Andy York: Background Vocals
Ian Hunter: Piano

03. No Hard Feelings

Dane Clark: Drums and Percussion
Johnny Depp: Acoustic and Electric Rhythm Guitars, Slide Guitar, Background Vocals
Jeff Beck: Lead Guitar
Andy York: Electric Guitar, Bass
Ian Hunter: Piano

04. Pavlov's Dog

Eric Kretz: Drums
Dean DeLeo: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar
Robert DeLeo: Bass
Dennis Dibrizzi: Background Vocal
Andy York: Background Vocal, Maracas
Ian Hunter: Piano

05. Don't Tread On Me

Rich Pagano: Drums, Congas, Percussion
Todd Rundgren: Rhythm and Lead Electric Guitars, Background Vocals
Andy Burton: Organ
Andy York: Bass
Ian Hunter: Piano

06. Guernica

Dane Clark: Drums and Percussion
Mike Campbell: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Joe Elliott: Background Vocals
Andy Burton: Harmonium
Andy York: Bass, Baritone Guitar, Background Vocal
Ian Hunter: Piano

07. I Hate Hate

Dane Clark: Drums
Andy Burton: Keyboards
Dennis Dibrizzi: Background Vocals
Andy York: Baritone Guitar, Tambourine, Background Vocals
Ian Hunter: Piano

08. Angel

Taylor Hawkins: Drums, Electric Guitars, Electric Piano, Background Vocals
Duff McKagan: Bass
Brad Whitford: Slide Guitar
Waddy Wachtel: 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Lead Electric Guitars
Ian Hunter: Piano

09. Kiss N' Make Up

Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Billy Bob Thornton: Percussion, Lead and Backup Vocals
Billy F Gibbons: Electric, Rhythm and Lead Guitars
J.D. Andrew: Bass
James Mastro: Electric Guitar
Rich Pagano: Congas
Andy Burton: Keyboards, Vibes

10. This Is What I'm Here For

Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Waddy Wachtel: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Joe Elliott: Background Vocals
Paul Page: Bass
Andy Burton: Organ
Andy York: Baritone Guitar
Ian Hunter: Piano

11. I Hate Hate (Alternate Version)

Dane Clark: Drums
Jeff Tweedy: Electric Guitars and Bass
Andy Burton: Keyboard
Dennis Dibrizzi: Background Vocal
Andy Burton: Organ
Andy York: Tambourine and Background Vocal
Ian Hunter: Piano

All songs written by Ian Hunter
Produced by Andy York and Ian Hunter
Mixed by James Frazee

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

Today also sees the launch of the first single from the album, and you can watch the stunning animated video for "Ginnungagap" (created by Costin Chioreanu) below. The track takes inspiration from the god Ymir, the proto-being, a primeval being, who was born from venom that dripped from the icy rivers called the Élivágar, and lived in the grassless void of Ginnungagap.

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

"RökFlöte" track listing:

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

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

JETHRO TULL continue live dates this year, with shows in mainland Europe.

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

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

The band consists of:

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

Germany's Downfall Of Gaia will release their sixth studio album, Silhouettes Of Disgust, on March 17 via Metal Blade Records, today unveiling the record's cover art, tracklisting, and first single.


Over the course of fifteen years, Downfall Of Gaia has carved a unique space for themselves within the metal scene, evolving naturally and unafraid to take risks. With Silhouettes Of Disgust they progress in part by looking backwards and returning to familiar territory. The result is best described as a textured, dynamic blend of crust punk and post-black metal with a lot of atmospheric elements, taking everything that ever made the band compelling and pushing it in new and gripping directions. With the return of guitarist Peter Wolff, who left the band in 2015 to focus on family and other pursuits, the writing process was much more streamlined than the sixteen months spent penning 2019's Ethic Of Radical Finitude.


"We started in October of 2021 and went into the studio in April of 2022," notes vocalist/guitarist Dominik Goncalves dos Reis. "Having Peter back - who founded Downfall Of Gaia together with bassist/vocalist Anton [Lisovoj] and I in 2008 - was the big difference this time. For Ethic Of Radical Finitude And Atrophy (2016), I prepared all the guitars by myself before the four of us started working on all the details, which is a much longer way of working than doing everything as a couple."




Wanting to keep things short and simple but straight in the listener's face, the record does not feature the eight- to ten-minute epics of their more recent releases and is indeed punchier, with a lot of classic d-beat drumming driving the action, as on opener "Existence Of Awe" and the surging "Unredeemable." They have also expanded their sonic palette with the inclusion of synths for the first time, and female vocals courtesy of Lulu Black, who collaborates with drummer Michael Kadnar in industrial/gothic project This Is Oblivion, making her voice familiar to the band members.


The album title, Silhouettes Of Disgust, is derived from the narratives driving the songs, focusing on the stories of eight different people, as residents of a fictional metropolis, each with their own worries and struggles.


"Loneliness, addiction, the fear of tomorrow, pressure from society/work and others, things that many of us probably know all too well," explains Goncalves dos Reis. "You have to play along somehow, or you fall through the cracks, and once you're down, it's hard to get back up. It looks at selfishness and ignorance, the general way of dealing with each other - you're one, surrounded by millions, surrounded by all these silhouettes of disgust, surrounded by the things you want to avoid and hate. The last few years have impressively proven what you can expect from humanity, and honestly, it's not much."


In advance of the record's release, today the band unveils a video for first single, "Bodies As Driftwood." Offers Goncalves dos Reis of the track, "'Bodies As Driftwood' tells the story of a fictional person in a fictional big city who, under the cover of night, can finally be herself and escape the ever-increasing malaise of everyday life. Hopes and dreams quickly give way to reality and threaten to break down due to outside pressures: Unpaid bills, problems at work, no social network, loneliness, no help, total overwhelm in a constantly accelerating zeitgeist… But at night she feels free - no punishing glances from others, no outside pressure, no stress, no expectations, just herself in the darkness while the world sleeps. Metaphorically speaking, this person uses the darkness of the night as a protective veil. Although this person is surrounded by millions every day, she experiences absolute loneliness on a daily basis."


View Downfall Of Gaia's "Bodies As Driftwood" video below.


Silhouettes Of Disgust was initially slated to be recorded with producer Timo Höcke at Die Wellenschmiede studio in Hamburg, however a few days before recording was due to commence, Höcke unfortunately contracted Covid.


"Due to schedules, family matters and private life, the planned time frame was the only chance to record the album without losing several months, so with drums tracked in New Jersey at Backroom Studios together with Kevin Antreassian, we ended up recording the rest of the album alone in Peter [Wolff]'s studio in Hamburg. After recording guitars, bass, and vocals we went to Die Wellenschmiede for one day - as it was actually planned - and re-amped our own recordings, with Timo handling the mix and Jonas Romann (Chaos Compressor Club) mastering the record."


The record comes adorned in the cover art of Wolff and Goncalves dos Reis.


Silhouettes Of Disgust will be released on CD, LP, and digitally. Find pre-orders here.





Silhouettes Of Disgust tracklisting:


"Existence of Awe"
"The Whir Of Flies"
"While Bloodsprings Become Rivers"
"Bodies As Driftwood"
"Eyes To Burning Skies"
"Final Vows"
"Unredeemable"
"Optograms Of Disgust"


"Bodies As Driftwood" video:





Lineup:


Dominik Goncalves dos Reis - vocals, guitars
Peter Wolff - guitars, vocals
Anton Lisovoj - bass, vocals
Michael Kadnar - drums


(Photo - David Stöcklin)

Warner Music (Sony Music outside Europe) has announced the upcoming release of PINK FLOYD's "The Dark Side Of The Moon" as a deluxe box set to celebrate 50 years since the release of one of the best-selling albums of all time. Newly remastered, the box set will arrive on March 24.

One of the most iconic and influential albums ever, "The Dark Side Of The Moon" continues to find new audiences globally. The album was partly developed during live performances, and the band premiered an early version of the suite at London's Rainbow Theatre several months before recording began. "The Dark Side Of The Moon" is the eighth studio album by PINK FLOYD, originally released in the U.S. on March 1, 1973 and then in the U.K. on March 16, 1973. The new material was recorded in 1972 and 1973 at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios) in London. The iconic sleeve, which depicts a prism spectrum, was designed by Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis and drawn by George Hardie. "The Dark Side Of The Moon" has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.

The new deluxe box set includes CD and gatefold vinyl of the new 2023 remastered studio album and Blu-ray + DVD audio featuring the original 5.1 mix and remastered stereo versions. The set also includes additional new Blu-ray disc of Atmos mix plus CD and LP of "The Dark Side Of The Moon - Live At Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974".

Simultaneously, on March 24, the CD and first-ever vinyl issue of PINK FLOYD's "The Dark Side Of The Moon - Live At Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974" will be released independently. It was originally recorded in November 1974 as part of the band's winter tour and this is the first time it will be available as a stand-alone album, with artwork featuring an original 1973 line-drawn cover by George Hardie.

The book "Pink Floyd - The Dark Side Of The Moon: 50th Anniversary" will also be published separately by Thames & Hudson on March 24 to coincide with the box set release. Curated by photographer Jill Furmanovsky and art directed by Hipgnosis co-founder Aubrey Powell, this LP-sized volume showcases rare and previously unseen photographs taken during "The Dark Side Of The Moon" tours of 1972-1975 and was created with the involvement of the band members.

The 50th-anniversary release will also be celebrated as PINK FLOYD invite a new generation of animators to enter a competition to create music videos for any of the 10 songs on the iconic 1973 album. PINK FLOYD has a rich history of collaborating with animators from the beginnings of the band (Ian Emes, Gerald Scarfe, etc.),and in some cases the visuals that accompany the songs have become synonymous with the music itself. The 50th anniversary will be no exception. The band would like to give all animators an opportunity to present a fresh take on these timeless aural works. Animators can enter up to 10 videos, one per song on the album. A winner will be selected from a panel of experts which will include PINK FLOYD's Nick Mason, Aubrey "Po" Powell (PINK FLOYD's creative director) and the BFI (British Film Institute). The deadline for submissions is November 30 2023. To enter and for more information, go to www.pinkfloyd.com/competition/.

On February 27th 1973, EMI Records held a press conference for the debut presentation of PINK FLOYD's then-new album "The Dark Side Of The Moon" at the London Planetarium. Although, the Planetarium dome could only show an array of stars, constellations and images of the cosmos whilst the music played, it was an unprecedented success. Fifty years on, in recognition of the iconic album and with the help of huge strides in technology, an official full dome experience with stunning visuals of the solar system and beyond and played out to 42 minutes of "The Dark Side Of The Moon", will be released in Planetariums around the world in March. Contact your local Planetarium for any screening details. The show itself will be divided between the 10 tracks off the album, in chronological order, each having a different theme; some futuristically looking forward and some a retro acknowledgment to PINK FLOYD's visual history, all relating to a time and space experience, embracing up-to-the-minute technology that only a Planetarium can offer. It promises to be immersive; an all-encompassing surround sound and visual treat that will transcend reality and take you way beyond the realms of 2D experience.

In a new interview with Channel 4 News, producer Rick Rubin reflected on his work on SLAYER's classic third album, "Reign In Blood". Released in October 1986 through Def Jam Recordings, the LP was the band's first collaboration with Rubin, whose input helped the band's sound evolve. Kerrang! magazine described the record as "the heaviest album of all time," and a breakthrough in thrash metal and speed metal.

Regarding his approach to recording a band like SLAYER, Rubin said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "When you treat everything the same, it waters down what it is.

"Speed metal was a new thing. The people who were recording speed metal up until 'Reign In Blood' recorded speed metal more like other hard rock or heavy metal. And it's different. It's all different. Everything we make is different.

"If you look at it in hip-hop, if you make it like it's an R&B record, it's an R&B record with somebody rapping," he continued. "If you make it like going to the hip-hop club, It's hip-hop. With speed metal, if you treat it like BLACK SABBATH, it won't do what SLAYER does. In that case, SLAYER is… They play very fast — super fast. And the nature of things that are fast is they come very close together, like the kick drums are, like, super fast. When you listen to LED ZEPPELIN records, the kick drum goes [at a much slower pace]. So if you have someone playing [fast], and you treat it like LED ZEPPELIN, it's just gonna be a blur and noise; you won't hear any of it. And that's what was happening — up until 'Reign In Blood'."

Rubin added: "And this is really… In each case, it comes from my lack of experience, lack of the 'right way' to do it. The 'right way' to record rock drums is the way LED ZEPPELIN did it. But in my mind, not if you're SLAYER. So in some ways, because I wasn't experienced enough to know 'this is how you do it', I'm listening to it for what it is, and for what it is, is this very precise, tight thing. And you wanna hear the precise tightness of it. And up until that point, no one had recorded it that way, because that's just not the way you record things."

"Reign In Blood" was SLAYER's first album to enter The Billboard 200 chart (at No. 94). The LP was certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) on November 20, 1992 for sales in excess of 500,000 copies.

"Reign In Blood"'s release was delayed because of concerns regarding its graphic artwork and lyrical subject matter. The opening track, "Angel Of Death", which refers to Josef Mengele and describes acts such as human experimentation that Mengele committed at the Auschwitz concentration camp, provoked allegations of Nazism. However, the bandmembers stated numerous times they do not condone Nazism, and are merely interested in the subject.

On the topic the controversy surrounding "Reign In Blood"'s lyrical content, SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman previously said, "'Angel Of Death' was a big problem. I remember getting a phone call after the album was done: Sony wasn't going to release it. I remember being at home, pissed, throwing things. What the fuck? I didn't think anything was wrong with 'Angel Of Death' or anything else we did, it's a documentary! There's no 'Heil Hitler' or 'white people rule,' it's a documentary; grow up, people. It took months before they picked it up again. Finally, we got signed by a distributor."

In a 2009 interview with Filter magazine, SLAYER frontman Tom Araya stated about "Reign In Blood", "On that first album [together], Rubin made sure that he recorded. He wanted to duplicate what he was hearing." Guitarist Kerry King added, "It was the first time you actually heard SLAYER in its pure ferocity, and it made a big difference. One funny thing about that album is if it came out today, no one would give a shit. They'd say, 'That's cool.' But at the time it came out it made such a difference. People still reflect on that as a poignant time, where shit changed."

Steve's Vai has been reunited with his "Swiss cheese" guitar, which was stolen from a California rehearsal space in 1986.

The guitar, which was originally used in the video for David Lee Roth's "Yankee Rose", and was due to be taken out on tour that summer, was returned to the guitarist after being discovered in an attic in Tijuana, Mexico.

On Saturday (January 14),Vai took to his social media to share a photo of him with the guitar, and he included the following message: "Reunited, and it feels so good. Oddly enough, after going missing 36 and a half years ago, my custom Joe Despagni 'Swiss Cheese' guitar was finally returned to me. This guitar was custom built for me by Joe Despagni. Joe was my best friend in life growing up and he made me some of the wildest guitars I ever laid my fingers on such as the Flame guitar, the Lightning Bolt, this Swiss Cheese guitar, ZNG ZNG, and his final piece that he made for me before he passed away, Theadolite. He worked with his brother Rob on many of these guitars.

"I used 'Swiss Cheese' in the original 'Yankee Rose' video while I was with David Lee Roth, and stretched it out in rehearsals and was planning on touring with it, but this guitar, along with 3 others, was stolen in Pasadena CA at Perkins Palace during rehearsals for the 'Eat 'Em And Smile' tour. It is officially the first guitar to receive a 'monkey' grip handle, and the first one Joe made with a handle at my request.

"The guitar was discovered by young Iván Gonzáles Acosta in the attic of his grandparents home in Tijuana, Mexico not too long ago. It seems the people that lived in his grandparents house before them purchased the guitar somewhere along the way and it was just stuck in the attic only to be discovered recently when they were reorganizing things.

"When Ivan discovered this guitar, he posted some images online and they came on the trusty radar of our very own Mike Mesker. Mike is THE authority on the history and specifics of all my guitars. Mike started reaching out to Ivan and after some time he was able to arrange a drop off where Ivan was met by Mike, Doug MacArthur and myself. Thanks to Mike for his solid vigilance in bringing this guitar home.

"The condition of the guitar when I saw it was a shocker. It's as if it was put in the case and never played for 36 years. The colors are still vibrant and the neck is in great shape.

"Thank you Ivan for your kind consideration and for reuniting me with this piece of my history. Receiving this guitar feels like an old friend has returned home after so many years to jam with me. I believe that we will make a wonderful Ham and Swiss sandwich together."

Vai spent several years as the guitarist in Roth's post-VAN HALEN solo band, alongside former TALAS bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Gregg Bissonette.

Vai played with Roth on his 1986 album "Eat 'Em And Smile" as well as its 1988 follow-up, "Skyscraper".

"Eat 'Em And Smile" was the first of two Roth albums to feature the duo of Vai and Billy Sheehan on guitar and bass. Throughout the LP, the two would often sync complicated bass lines together with the lead guitar parts, as on tracks such as "Shyboy" and "Elephant Gun".

Reunited, and it feels so good. Oddly enough, after going missing 36 and a half years ago, my custom Joe Despagni “Swiss...

Posted by Steve Vai on Saturday, January 14, 2023

Acclaimed rockers ALTER BRIDGE have released the official music video for the song "Holiday". The clip marks the return of longtime video collaborator Dan Sturgess of Sturge Media — known for capturing the band's iconic performance with the Parallax Orchestra on "Alter Bridge: Live At The Royal Albert Hall".

"Holiday" has been a fan favorite since it was made public with the release of ALTER BRIDGE's "Pawns & Kings" album last October, and is currently one of the most added songs at Active Rock radio.

The follow-up to 2019's "Walk The Sky", "Pawns & Kings" was once again recorded at Studio Barbarosa in Gotha, Florida with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who has previously worked with SEVENDUST, MAMMOTH WVH and SLASH, among others.

"Pawns & Kings" is comprised of 10 all-new epic tracks that are sure to garner ALTER BRIDGE new fans around the globe while satiating their fervent supporters that have been patiently waiting for new music from the band.

From the opening riffs of "This Is War" to the title track album closer "Pawns & Kings", ALTER BRIDGE returns with an album of intense tracks that were born after the cycle for their last album was cut short by the global pandemic. Songs like "Dead Among The Living", "Silver Tongue" and "Holiday" showcase the signature songwriting the band is known for. The album offers numerous epic adventures, with three songs clocking in over six minutes each. The opus "Fable Of The Silent Son" has a running time of 8:29 and is the longest recorded song in the band's catalog — a distinction held by "Blackbird" until now. Guitarist Mark Tremonti steps out of his backing vocal role to take the lead on "Stay", an introspective ballad that is sure to become a fan favorite live.

In a recent interview with Ian Danter of Planet Rock's "My Planet Rocks", Tremonti stated about "Pawns & Kings": "We're very proud of it. Our producer is absolutely in love with the record. I think if you're a fan of ALTER BRIDGE, you'll dig this record. We're very happy with it."

Asked if there will be any "heavy" Tremonti riffs on "Pawns & Kings", Mark said: "There are some heavy riffs on there. And it's funny because some of the heaviest riffs on the record [ALTER BRIDGE frontman] Myles [Kennedy] brought to the table. Even my producer is, like, 'I can't tell who's bringing what to the table anymore. 'Cause back when the band started, you were the heavy guy and Myles was the moody guy — [he would bring in] the ballady things — and we'd mix them up. And now you never know.'

"At this point, Myles loves playing guitar solos, and I love singing. So we like to do each other's roles, because I think he doesn't feel the pressure as a guitar player because he's known as a singer; I don't feel the pressure as a singer because I'm known as a guitar player. So we liked filling the other person's role. It's fun."

In August, ALTER BRIDGE announced the North American leg of its 2023 "Pawns & Kings" tour. The 30-city trek — split into two legs — will kick off on January 25 in Tampa, Florida and wrap on April 1 in Highland, California. MAMMOTH WVH — the band fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen — will be direct support on the entire tour. Rockers RED will also play on the first leg of the tour and newcomers PISTOLS AT DAWN will appear on the second leg.

ALTER BRIDGE released a seven-song EP, "Walk The Sky 2.0", in November 2020 via Napalm Records. The effort contained live versions of a few of the band's favorites from "Walk The Sky" — "Wouldn't You Rather", "Pay No Mind", "Native Son", "Godspeed", "In The Deep" and "Dying Light" — as well as one new studio track, "Last Rites", which was written, recorded and completed entirely during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Tremonti issued the fifth album from his solo band TREMONTI, titled "Marching In Time", in September 2021 via Napalm Records.

Kennedy released his sophomore solo album, "The Ides Of March", in May 2021 via Napalm Records.

Tremonti recently partnered with National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to release an album of Frank Sinatra covers titled "Tremonti Sings Sinatra". The LP of selections from Frank Sinatra's catalog was made available in May 2022 as part of a new charity initiative created by Tremonti called Take A Chance For Charity. Proceeds from the album go to support NDSS and the work they do to advocate for and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann

Swedish blackened death metal veterans Fatal Embrace will release their brand new full-length record, entitled Manifestum Infernalis, on March 24th via Black Lion Records. Manifestum Infernalis is the band's long awaited first new work since 1997, and even though many years have passed, that doesn't change the fact that Fatal Embrace are "hungrier than ever and super excited to write, record and release new music again!"


Fatal Embrace on the new album: "It’s been a long time coming. Thirty years have passed since we formed Fatal Embrace back in 1992. It took us 30 years to make the album we always wanted to make. Everything on this album is done by ourselves. Everything. The process of making this album has taken almost 5 years of our lives and a lot has happened during this time. The world seemed to grow darker and darker around us as a pandemic descended upon the world. All this made for an inspiring time to write and record music. This is by far the darkest creation ever from Fatal Embrace and the darker the album became, the more it felt like therapy. A creative channel for when everything in the world takes a turn for the worse and keeps going south." 


In support of the soon to be released album, Fatal Embrace have released the brand new single "The Black Oath". Listen to the track below.







Fatal Embrace comments: "This was one of the earlier songs we wrote for this album. It became the song we wanted the rest of the album to measure up against. It contains all the elements of what makes up the dna of our music. Melodic black metal with frantic passages combined with some symphonics thrown into the mix. This was the song that made us realise we wanted to move closer to blackened metal than in our early days. For us this was a very natural transformation and we are really pleased with the outcome of 'The Black Oath'."


Manifestum Infernalis was recorded, mixed, produced and mastered in Studiomega by Christian Silver and Fatal Embrace. Album artwork by Moon Sang. Layout and design by Andreas Johansson and Marcos Cerutti. The album is available for pre-order at this location.





Tracklist:


"Empyreal Doom"
"The Black Oath"
"Wolves Of Golgotha"
"Prometheus' Sermon"
"Call Of The Dark"
"Eyes of Oak"
"Sign Of The Pentagram"
"Deus Mali"
"The Rot"

British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have teamed up with The Guitarwrist, a not-for-profit company, to reduce the amount of strings metal ending in landfill, while raising money for Heavy Metal Truants, a charity cycling group co-founded by Metal Hammer's former editor-in-chief Alexander Milas and IRON MAIDEN manager Rod Smallwood.

MAIDEN's collaboration with The Guitarwrist gives fans a chance to own an amazing piece of memorabilia from strings that have been played by members of the band.

Founded in 2017 by U.K. music industry executive Ian Rendall, The Guitarwrist is a charity fundraising initiative which encourages artists to donate their played strings, when they come to restring, and upcycles these into handmade items of jewelry, with 100% of the profits going to the artist's charity of choice.

To date, The Guitarwrist has raised over £100,000 for over 50 charities and saved over 9,000 sets of strings ending in landfill.

Over 275 artists have joined the initiative, including GUNS N' ROSES, ANTHRAX and HALESTORM.

Prices for The Guitarwrist IRON MAIDEN collection start at £90 (for the "Test Tube" necklace) and run to £199 for the sterling silver ring.

Available items:

* Sterling Silver Ring - £199
* "Distortion" bass strings Bracelet - £175
* "Reverb" bass strings Bracelet - £160
* "Riff" guitar strings Bracelet - £160
* "Riff" bass string Bracelet - £150
* "Reverb" guitar strings Bracelet - £150
* "Rhapsody" guitar string Bracelet £140
* "1/4 Jack" Necklace - £100
* "Test Tube" Necklace - £90

For more information, visit TheGuitarwrist.co.uk.

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