PARADISE SLAVES, the brand new band featuring former members of 36 CRAZYFISTS and DIECAST, will release its debut album, "With Hell In His Eyes", on May 2 via Spinefarm.

"To me, the overall concept of 'With Hell In His Eyes' is to never surrender, continue to fight, and continue to be grateful for life," states PARADISE SLAVES singer Brock Lindow. "Those were my thoughts. I'm a 49-year-old man who has lived and learned a lot. No one is perfect. Coming to this realization, trying to be better each day is a definitely goal."

Today, the band has also shared the video for "Dreamers". It follows PARADISE SLAVES' debut single, "A Fever To Defeat".

Watch the "Dreamers" video, comprised of footage of the band in performance mode, below.

A chugging palm-muted riff slips into an airy verse punctuated a breathy melody. The rush climaxes on a chantable chorus "I would've traded everything, but it kept running from me."

"My wife is from South Africa, and we battled immigration for five years," Lindow explains, offering a deep look at the highly personal subject matter. "She couldn't leave the entire time, and her parents had gotten sick. It was really rough. It's about our situation, the personal struggle, the hardships we dealt with."

The Boston-by-way-of-Anchorage quartet cements an uncanny union between aforementioned vocal powerhouse Lindow (36 CRAZYFISTS),solo artist and guitarist Tyler Stroetzel, guitarist Jon Kita (DIECAST),bassist Brad Horion (DIECAST),and drummer Ryan Manning (PENTAGRAM, BLITZKID).

Mutual admiration and respect sparked the initial flame for PARADISE SLAVES, yet their newly forged friendship lit up their chemistry as brightly as a pyre. That same energy surges through their full-length debut album.

As the story goes, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Joel Stroetzel shot a text over to Lindow mid-pandemic. As it turned out, his younger brother Tyler was putting together a solo album, "Dark Verses, Vol. 1", and wanted Lindow to sing on a track. Right away, the duo hit it off as collaborators and buddies.

Following the first song, they continued to write and record. Given his longstanding friendship with Brock, Kita naturally fit in and joined the fold followed by Horion and Manning. Jamming away, they nodded to formative inspirations such as SOUNDGARDEN and ALICE IN CHAINS twisted up with just the right amount of hardcore grit and heavy metal eloquence. In between, they performed alongside the likes of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, and more. Eventually, the group congregated at Tin Bridge Studios in Massachusetts in order to record.

"This band is something I didn't expect," admits Lindow. "After it fell in my lap, I was making new music with new people and we became brothers, and for that, I'm so grateful. When you get a gift like this, you need to put your best foot forward and have some fire. I definitely still have the same fire and love for making music as I always had and it manifests in PARADISE SLAVES."

"With Hell In His Eyes" track listing:

01. For Those Who Watch The Sea
02. Aesthetic Of Serpents
03. A Fever To Defeat
04. Dreamers
05. With Hell In His Eyes
06. Glass Mountain
07. Swim North (feat. Trevor Phipps)
08. How Far From Fragile
09. Somebody To Shove (SOUL ASYLUM cover)
10. Always Have Always Will

Photo: Josh DeForge

LINKIN PARK has release an a cappella/vocals-only version of the band's latest album, "From Zero", dubbed "From Zero - A Cappellas". You can now listen to the entire LP in the YouTube playlist below.

The original version of "From Zero", which came out last November, marked LINKIN PARK's first full-length effort since 2017's "One More Light", which was the last LINKIN PARK album before the death of lead vocalist Chester Bennington. "From Zero" features LINKIN PARK's new singer Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, who have joined returning members co-vocalist and main producer Shinoda, guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Dave "Phoenix" Farrell and DJ/visual director Joe Hahnin the band's new lineup. Guitarist Alex Feder is filling in for Delson at all LINKIN PARK concerts for the foreseeable future.

Last fall, Shinoda told KROQ's Kevan Kenney about the emotions surrounding LINKIN PARK's return: "It's really complicated. For me, two years ago it was very overwhelming, and I think the best thing that we did was to just basically let things happen in the order and at the timeline that they were gonna happen, let things happen organically and not push too hard. And I feel like what ended up evolving was we just naturally kind of found each other, we found this new lineup, we found Emily and Colin in particular, and the music just kind of came into focus based on what we were having the most fun doing."

When Kenney suggested that "From Zero" "sounds almost like a return to [LINKIN PARK's] roots", Shinoda said: "I love that there's such a strong LINKIN PARK DNA in the record. It does really feel like LINKIN PARK, but I think there's a part of it that's the old sound and part of that's every era of the band, to me, on the record."

Farrell chimed in: "I don't know if I know well what the LINKIN PARK DNA is. It's kind of like when you're too close to something, you just do it and then other people tell you. They almost interpret it and then you kind of say, 'Okay, cool. I'm glad that came across.' But I think in any and all of that creation of an album or working on new music or new stuff or when there's — I don't know — interstitials or whatever you might wanna call it, for me those things are just like us doing us and figuring that out and moving forward. And in this process, one of the things that was so fun and rewarding and cool and energizing was just how when we started gradually integrating Emily and Colin, it felt like LINKIN PARK. It just felt like it fit for me and for us. And those were the coolest moments in the entire process, was just feeling like things were kind of jelling and coming together and we were having a blast doing it the whole time. So at this stage being ready to finally have the album out, having people be excited about it, that feels great."

LINKIN PARK announced its new lineup during a September 2024 one-hour global livestream of a concert in Los Angeles showcasing Armstrong and Brittain.

Last November, LINKIN PARK announced a massive world tour across North America, Europe, Asia and South America. The trek will launch in January with three dates in Mexico before heading to Japan and a one-off show in Jakarta, Indonesia. This spring and summer, LINKIN PARK will hit a number of cities the United States and end in November with a run throughout South America.

During LINKIN PARK's fall 2024 concert in São Paulo, Brazil, the band revealed that video of the performance, which was also livestreamed in full on Brazilian broadcast channel Multishow, will be central focus of a live documentary. A release date has yet to be announced.

Photo credit: James Minchin III

During an appearance on the January 21 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman paid tribute to legendary English guitarist John Sykes (TYGERS OF PAN TANG, THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER, SYKES),who died earlier this week at the age of 65.

Friedman said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "John Sykes was a big influence to me when I was developing — when you're a teenager and you're developing your sound and what it is you wanna do in music. I just wanna say I'm just really bummed out about it because when I heard TYGERS OF PAN TANG, I was really into the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, and it was very innovative as far as heavy metal and rock rhythm guitar went, and that was kind of the big signature of it.

"Somebody could maybe correct me but I think that John Sykes was the first guy, as a lead guitarist, at least the first guy who was under my radar, who was just playing mind-boggling guitar in that context," Marty continued. "I mean, at that time it was like really cool rhythms and the solos were just kind of like just your basic regular solos that fit the songs fine. But when John Sykes came out on TYGERS, the 'Spellbound' album, this was a game changer for me. So, he was the first guy in that genre that I heard that was, like, 'Wow, these lead guys can really take an exciting part of the band's sound.' And it was an extremely important influence to myself and a lot of the people that I've met over the years playing metal. So I just wanted to say that, and that I wish all the best to his family. And I know that everybody in the world of heavy metal and hard rock and guitar owes a lot to him. And I just wanted to get that off my chest, because it's really sad to hear that type of thing. He had such great things to contribute."

Elaborating on what it was about Sykes's playing that immediately stood out, Friedman said: "He was a simple dude. He's not a dude that lives and dies by effects and strange sound textures. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that — some people have talents in that area, which I admire very much — but I think one thing that I was influenced by him is just [that he was] a straight plug-in guy, and it's the hands and the sound and the touch and the intention. And so I think at that point, it was probably subliminal for me to pick that up. He wasn't a guy who relied on tricks; he was a real player's player. And as soon as you heard his solo, the level of the song all of a sudden went up. And at the time, I was very, very smitten with that, because I loved New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. And the lead guitar parts were always, for lack of a better word, kind of pedestrian. They definitely weren't at the level of John Sykes. You had to really be a player to be like that. So when I heard him, it kind of opened up a lot of things for me mentally to try to be more like that and when the solo comes, make it an exciting part of the song. That was something he was doing way, way back, before heavy metal was popular. So I think he left a big mark on a lot of people, not just myself."

Sykes, who performed with THIN LIZZY and WHITESNAKE in the 1980s, died following a battle with cancer, a statement posted on his verified Facebook page said on Monday (January 20).

John's best-known work was when he joined WHITESNAKE and co-wrote the band's self-titled seventh studio album, released in 1987. It produced a major power ballad hit, "Is This Love", along with the No. 1 hit "Here I Go Again". The album was a major crossover hit, eventually selling over eight million copies in the U.S. alone.

Sykes co-wrote nine of the tracks on "Whitesnake", including mega-hits "Still Of The Night" and "Is This Love?"

Sykes found himself thrown out of WHITESNAKE, alongside bassist Neil Murray and drummer Aynsley Dunbar, even before the album had been released. WHITESNAKE singer and leader David Coverdale then assembled an entirely different, MTV-friendly group to tour the record.

Sykes announced his departure from THIN LIZZY in July 2009, explaining that "I feel it's time to get back to playing my own music."

BLUE MURDER was formed by Sykes and released two studio albums — 1989's self-titled effort and the 1993 follow-up, "Nothin' But Trouble" — before calling it quits.

In a new interview with Canada's The Metal Voice conducted at last night's (Wednesday, January 22) Metal Hall Of Fame gala in Anaheim, California, MERCYFUL FATE bassist Becky Baldwin was asked about the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for the band's long-awaited follow-up to 1999's "9" album. She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "So, it's in the kind of demoing process at the moment. Instrumentally, it's mostly there. And so the next step is for King [Diamond, MERCYFUL FATE and KING DIAMOND frontman] to work on it, but King also needs to put out the KING DIAMOND album this year, hopefully. So [the KING DIAMOND album] should be this year and then he'll do a European tour [with KING DIAMOND]. And then it's MERCYFUL FATE time. So it's kind of like, yeah, there's an order that things need to happen. So, hopefully this year we'll be able to start on finishing the [MERCYFUL FATE] album, like finishing it in terms of lyrics. 'The Jackal Of Salzburg', that [new MERCYFUL FATE] song has already been performed live. That's gonna be on the album. King has done some really amazing things with the demo version that he's been working on. And then, yeah, towards the end of the year, probably [MERCYFUL FATE will release] some singles hopefully. Or if not, then next year."

Asked for working songtitles or lyrical concepts, Becky said: "I'm not gonna give anything away. I don't feel qualified to divulge that kind of information. I haven't been told what I am and I'm not allowed to say. [Laughs] There's songs with names, there's concepts. I'm not going to sing you a little riff, but there are riffs. There are riffs. [Laughs]"

Becky officially joined MERCYFUL FATE in January 2024. The Birmingham, England-based musician previously toured with MERCYFUL FATE in the fall of 2022 as the temporary replacement for Joey Vera who was unable to make the dates due to a scheduled conflict with his longtime group ARMORED SAINT.

A year ago, Becky was asked by The Metal Voice if her addition to MERCYFUL FATE as a permanent member had been in the works for a while. She responded: "I guess the idea was floating around for a while, but it's quite recent still, the news that I was going to be permanent in MERCYFUL FATE. But I guess, as any band does when you've got a lot coming up and there's some kind of — I don't wanna say insecurity within the band, because it's not that; it was just kind of, like, a question about how busy Joey was, and I guess it was kind of in the back of their minds. And the way that the fans reacted when I did the tour was very positive. So it was a natural progression, I guess. But yeah, it all just kind of came about very, very recently in terms of being solidly, like, 'Yes, this is what's happening. And you are gonna be a full-time member of MERCYFUL FATE.'"

Regarding how she came to play for MERCYFUL FATE originally, Becky said: "I think the main person for bringing me into the picture was Hank Shermann. So he was the person who suggested me when they started looking at, like, 'Okay, well, actually, this whole list of male bass players that we're looking through, it doesn't have to be a guy. Who else do we know? Should we start looking somewhere else? Because there aren't any women on this list, and maybe that could be a thing, that could work out for MERCYFUL FATE.' And then I was kind of at the top of Hank's list. And then when he showed King and the rest of the management and stuff some of my videos, it was literally the weekend of Bloodstock [Open Air] festival in the summer of 2022. And they were, like, 'Okay, let's go. Let's go to Bloodstock. And she's gonna be at Bloodstock festival. Let's ask her there.'"

Asked if she was looking forward to perhaps contributing to the songwriting in MERCYFUL FATE as well, Becky said: "I think the songwriting is still gonna be very much King Diamond and Hank Shermann kind of heading up most of that, but definitely writing bass lines. I've studied all of Timi's [Hansen, original MERCYFUL FATE bassist] bass lines very meticulously now, and so I really feel like I can bring some of that into the new bass lines for the next record."

Pressed about whether MERCYFUL FATE's legacy scares her, with "their history of all this satanic stuff," Becky responded: "No, not really. I mean, I guess just their legacy in itself is scary. It's such a big thing. It was such a big part of my life growing up that it's all just very daunting, I guess. And trying to get it right is daunting and scary. But the satanic stuff, no, not really. [Laughs]"

When Becky's addition to MERCYFUL FATE was first announced in January 2024, she said in a statement: "It is a great honor to now be a permanent member of MERCYFUL FATE. I can't wait to join the recording of the new album.

"When I joined as a stand-in on the 2022 U.S. tour, the acceptance and encouragement from the fans was exceptional. A huge thanks to the band, team and fans for the warm welcome. See you in Chile and Brazil this coming April."

After playing the piano as a child, Becky picked up the bass guitar as a teenager and began performing with bands at school. In 2009 she moved from Trowbridge to Bristol to study at BIMM Bristol and became closely involved in Bristol's music scene. Becky holds a BA Honours degree in Professional Musicianship and now lives in the birthplace of heavy metal — Birmingham, U.K.

Becky is an energetic live performer and efficient recording musician who specializes in fingerstyle bass guitar playing, and rock and metal genres. Since 2012, Becky has performed approximately 100 gigs per year, offering her skills for a wide variety of bands (including covers and original bands, genres ranging from metal to folk, urban, funk, pop, jazz and more.) Music has taken Becky all over Europe and into the USA for touring and recording sessions.

Becky is a co-founder of specialist private tuition company Bristol Rock Centre, which runs a teaching and rehearsal studio in Mangotsfield. She has aided exam board Rockschool in the writing and proofing of tuition/exam books including "Let's Rock Bass", the "Popular Music Theory" collection and the 2014 Vocal syllabus. She has led workshops with Bristol Rock Centre and Rockschool, and has given lectures at BIMM Bristol, ACM Birmingham and Access Creative College. Becky has received tuition from top musicians such as Stuart Clayton (CARL PALMER band),Damon Minchella (OCEAN COLOUR SCENE, PAUL WELLER) and Jim Barr (PORTISHEAD, GET THE BLESSING).

Earlier in January 2024, it was revealed that MERCYFUL FATE and Vera had "mutually" decided to part ways.

In 2019, it was announced Vera would be replacing Hansen for the band's summer 2020 European festival appearances due to Hansen's cancer diagnosis. Hansen passed away in November 2019 and MERCYFUL FATE's 2020 summer festival appearances were rescheduled for 2021, and then to 2022.

MERCYFUL FATE's North American tour, which featured support from by KREATOR and MIDNIGHT, followed the band's headlining performance at the 2022 edition of Psycho Las Vegas.

MERCYFUL FATE is currently working on a new album and gave fans a taste of the new material when they debuted the aforementioned song called "The Jackal Of Salzburg" in Germany in June 2022 as well as at Psycho Las Vegas. The band's current lineup is rounded out by Mike Wead on guitar and Bjarne T. Holm on drums.

MERCYFUL FATE was formed in early 1981 in Copenhagen, Denmark by vocalist King Diamond and guitarist Hank Shermann. They were later joined by guitarist Michael Denner and bassist Timi Hansen, and soon thereafter drummer Kim Ruzz would join to complete the band lineup. The band recorded two demos in 1981 and later signed with Rave On Records in Holland for the recording of their successful self-titled EP, released in November of 1982. The "Mercyful Fate" EP was soon in heavy rotation around core metal radio stations, launching a new breed of heavy metal with their unique sound.

The band joined Roadrunner Records in 1983 and their debut full-length, "Melissa", was recorded and released that same year. The following year, MERCYFUL FATE returned to the studio to record their now legendary "Don't Break The Oath" full-length, released in September of 1984.

MERCYFUL FATE embarked upon a two-month U.S. tour in support of the record, which took them across the States several times sharing the stage with the likes of MOTÖRHEAD and EXCITER. The shows had created a brush fire within the metal community. The band reaped recognition globally, closing the year with a five-date tour in Germany with MOTÖRHEAD, GIRLSCHOOL, HELIX and TALON.

MERCYFUL FATE's first concert of 1985 was in their hometown of Copenhagen at an old movie theater with a large capacity. The show sold out and their stage show exhibited a new level of distinction. The night was a huge victory and a new highlight for the band. By April of 1985, however, MERCYFUL FATE decided to part ways for each to pursue new challenges. The KING DIAMOND band was born and reaped critical acclaim the following years with five studio albums on Roadrunner Records. KING DIAMOND has since signed with Metal Blade Records and is going stronger than ever before.

In the summer of 1992, MERCYFUL FATE decided to reunite and penned a new deal with Brian Slagel and his label, Metal Blade Records. "In The Shadows" was released in 1993 and was an instant triumph furthered by a sold-out U.S. tour.

MERCYFUL FATE has gone on to release another five studio albums and have toured Europe, the U.S. and South America multiple times. The highlight of 1999 was their critically acclaimed album "9" which was followed by a European tour with METALLICA, where King Diamond and Hank Shermann joined the band onstage several times for the medley "Mercyful Fate" which METALLICA had recorded on their "Garage Inc." double tribute album the year prior. Tours in the U.S. and in South America followed, marking the band's last live performances for over a decade. MERCYFUL FATE then went on hiatus, but made a brief appearance when members joined METALLICA onstage in 2011 for their 30th-anniversary show in San Francisco, California.

PANTERA kicked off its 2025 European headlining tour last night (Tuesday, January 21) at Helsingin Jäähalli (Ice Hall) in Helsinki, Finland. Joining the reformed band, consisting of classic-lineup members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass),along with Zakk Wylde (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums),on the trek are support acts CHILD BITE and POWER TRIP.

According to Setlist.fm, PANTERA's setlist for the Helsinki concert was as follows:

01. A New Level
02. Mouth For War
03. Strength Beyond Strength
04. Becoming
05. I'm Broken
06. Suicide Note Pt. II
07. 5 Minutes Alone
08. This Love
09. Floods
10. Walk (with members of POWER TRIP and CHILD BITE)
11. Domination / Hollow
12. Cowboys From Hell

Encore:

13. Fucking Hostile

Fan-filmed video can be found below.

In a recent interview with Sweetwater, Brown spoke about the decision to tour with a reformed version of PANTERA. The lineup has reportedly been given a green light by the estates of PANTERA's founders, drummer Vincent "Vinnie Paul" Abbott and guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. Rex said: "The last show, man, I had a creepy, like a cold — something came by me. It felt like there was a cold feeling. And I've gotten this a couple of times before. When we were down recording with Charlie — me and Charlie just went down [in late 2022], put up eighty to a hundred hours of tape before Zakk [started rehearsing with us]. Zakk was still on the road. So we wanted to get the bass and the drum real tight, and we had this scratch guitar player. I felt that same chill. And, to me, they're angels. And I think you know who they are. Those guys, I think they're looking down, or they're looking around us, with us, and I think they're digging what they're seeing, man. I really do. And that's the only kind of way I can look at it, and get as close as we can with Charlie and Zakk. And God, it's getting really, really good. And there's so much more potential to get even tighter."

Speaking about the opportunity to perform PANTERA's music to new generations of fans who never saw the band before, Rex said: "There's a lot of memories in this band that are hard to put down. And losing the brothers, I just never in a million years thought that something like that would happen. Here we are 22 years later, and to see these new fans' faces. You've got one kid sitting there, or man, woman or child crying, and you have this other guy just going, 'You did it right.' It's just amazing."

In April, Rex spoke to American Musical Supply about how touring with PANTERA in 2024 is different from how it was in the band's heyday. He said: "This is a completely different thing, man. We have Charlie and Zakk now, and they're just — number one, they've been great friends of ours for all these years. We get along extra super cool. Charlie and I went down, probably put about eighty, hundred hours on tape of all the songs we were gonna do for the set, and others that we would want to do. Charlie and I worked on this for six months before we ever got into a rehearsal room. That's just how good friends we are. Charlie has been one of my best friends for years. So, this is another band. It's hard to fill the shoes of the brothers. At the same time, this has become a really tight unit. And Zakk just puts the extra… Dime was a very unique guitar player, and he was my best friend, and it's good to see those boys up on the screens and with us. And that's what this is about tonight, for me."

Regarding how he and the rest of the current PANTERA lineup have balanced honoring the band's legacy with any new creative goals they might have, Rex said: "There's many ways that we wanna keep this legacy alive, 'cause the music is still played all over. We have a whole new generation of fans that, they probably wouldn't have heard this stuff if we weren't playing out here playing these shows. And so, that generation of fans — let's say the 15-to-18-year-old kids that come out — they'll shortly have children, and that keeps that new generation alive. And Phillip even says it in the set, the parents of the '90s, which I'm a parent of the '90s, it's a very important statement in the set because it's about the gratitude.

"We're not doing this for ourselves; we're doing it for the name and the brand PANTERA," he continued. "And by God, this music needs to be heard again. It does. It needed to for a long fucking time. And that's what we're here doing tonight… It's just wonderful to be able to do this and pay homage to my music, the riffs that I wrote, or the riffs that Dime wrote, or the patterns that Vinnie played, and for what Phil came up with — tremendous impact on this music."

Also in April, Rex told Rolling Stone Australia about performing with PANTERA in 2024: "Two of our beloved brothers that just aren't here anymore man, that's life, you know? They're just not with us man. That's just fate; it's the way the ball rolls, dude."

He added: "This is no tribute band — Philip and I get to play these songs of ours that we haven't played in 23 years. And to be able to do that and connect with the enormity of what's happened is just extraordinarily fucking insane, you know?"

Regarding PANTERA's latest additions, Rex said: "We knew who would fit and who wouldn't. We knew what the obstacles were in front of us, and we knew after… I'll put it this way — Charlie and I came down in September [2022] before we played that [first] show in December [2022], and we have probably one hundred hours of tape of us playing every fucking PANTERA song that I could remember. And so, you know, me and Charlie lockin' in like that… the drummer and the bass player, that's your foundation. So when Zakk came in, there were certain things we had to go over and over and over, to get tight. And today, this band is about as tight and about as badass as I fucking want. You know what I mean, and that's all I'm gonna say on that."

"But, man, this band is on fuckin' fire, and I couldn't be happier, man," he added. "I just can't explain that as much as I need to, I could not be happier."

Rex previously told AndrewHaug.com that he was "absolutely" open to writing new music with the reformed version of PANTERA. "Yeah, I could tell you more but I'm not going to," he teased.

Earlier in the chat, Brown talked about what is has been like to go out and perform as PANTERA to a whole new generation of fans.

"You can't see it on the YouTube. You can't feel that vibe until you actually come to the show," he explained. "And we haven't been doing interviews just for the fact we want people just to come to the show. It's not about anything prior past or present that I wanna talk about today — just the show tonight.

"We're pinching ourselves over these new fans that have never seen this before, and it's a whole another generation that we either didn't know a) that were out there, b) that were still listening to us, and the turnout has just been unbelievable," Rex continued. "Of course, at first you had the naysayers and all that stuff, and as we played gig by gig, it's made us tighter. And I've been trying to rehearse this band as much as I can within schedules, and we'll just go down for no fucking reason and just jam. That's what makes a band tight."

The reformed PANTERA is headlining a number of major festivals across North America, South America and Europe and staging some of its own headline concerts. They are also supporting METALLICA on a massive stadium tour in 2024.

It was first reported in July 2022 that Anselmo and Brown would unite with Wylde and Benante for a world tour under the PANTERA banner.

Asked how it feels playing those "timeless" songs again, Rex told AndrewHaug.com: "You just said it — they're timeless. So getting to play them again is a… These were a big part of Philip and I's songs too. Of course, respect to the brothers. I think that looking down on us and giving us a big — and they're with us. It's just uncanny. That's the glue. Those guys are hanging around with us.

"Look, I'm not some crazy old man, man. I know that we're here for reasons," Rex added. "And this time he gave us a heavy load, and we have come through in spades. And I'm very proud of Charlie and Zakk and Phillip for stepping up… All of us [were very close back in the day]. We were intertwined. There was a close-knit family of friends — Jerry Cantrell and all those guys, ALICE IN CHAINS. We were all brothers and we all had each other's backs — even as fucked up as we got. We're fine now, I'll put it that way. But it's just such a different time and we're older men and can appreciate this more. And I feel 25 years younger, man. It's just insane."

Addressing complaints from some fans that Brown and Anselmo are going out and touring under the PANTERA name even though Dimebag and Vinnie Paul are not involved, Rex said: "I don't call it anything. I call it PANTERA. The show itself is a celebration of the lives of all four of us. Two are sadly not with us, and we cannot bring them back. God, do I want them back. But that's just not possible. So we're doing the best thing that we can to keep our music alive. And I think they're smiling down and saying, 'You guys are doing all right, man.' And they're with us. And I'm not shittin' you."

Asked what his initial thoughts were when he was first approached about relaunching PANTERA as a touring act, Rex said: "Philip and I talked for several months before. He got on the phone and said, 'Hey, man, you wanna do it? I didn't have — maybe a six-second… not a hesitation, but just to wrap my head around the full gravity of the enormity of it. I went, 'Okay, I've got a couple of questions.' And, man, ever since that call we've worked really, really hard to get this thing going. And we've jumped over a lot of mountains."

Up until his passing in June 2018, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmo, whom the drummer indirectly blamed for Dimebag's death.

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

Vinnie, who was Dimebag's brother, and Anselmo had not spoken since PANTERA split in 2003. But the relationship got even more acrimonious when Vinnie suggested that some remarks the vocalist had made about Dimebag in print just weeks earlier might have incited Dimebag's killer.

Multi- platinum, chart topping, and record-breaking band SHINEDOWN has released two new singles, "Three Six Five" and "Dance, Kid, Dance", today via Atlantic Records. The band is also celebrating the announcement of its U.S. tour "Dance, Kid, Dance", which goes on sale today.

Speaking on the two new songs and the "Dance, Kid, Dance" tour, SHINEDOWN frontman Brent Smith said: "We needed to approach everything different this time… The last two albums were both conceptual so it was important for us to really ask ourselves creatively where do we want to go. The answer to that was we want to go everywhere so there was no specific direction. We just started writing, and let the new songs guide us. I also think we stopped saying 'why?' and started saying 'why not?'

"When we were thinking about touring, we had certain artists in mind," he continued. "Instead of being of the mindset that they wouldn't want to come out to tour with us, we just asked them — and they said yes. Honestly, it's quite humbling, we are extremely excited for this new chapter, and tour. SO LET'S GO!!!!"

The two new singles embody the many multifaceted talents of the SHINEDOWN: One part rock 'n' roll dynamism and one part incredible songwriting and passion. "Dance, Kid, Dance" hits hard right out of the gate with incredibly heavy guitars and a tempo that just doesn't quit. It's part social commentary and part "don't overthink it, let's just rock out and LET'S DANCE!" The song pushes boundaries and is a reminder of why SHINEDOWN hold the record for the most No. 1 songs at Active Rock Radio of all time with "Dance, Kid, Dance".

"Three Six Five" is an example of the band's ability to tackle the tough subjects through impeccable songwriting. Anyone who has ever experienced loss knows that every day we draw breath is an opportunity to live out loud — to live for those we have lost. At its core, "Three Six Five" is a reminder to stop wasting time and focus on the moments we have right now and treasure time with the ones you love the most. The song honors the people in our lives who aren't with us anymore. It reminds us to stop taking time for granted, because it's not promised. Take chances, be bold, and don't sweat the small stuff, because as the song says: a lot can happen in a year. "Even though I said all the things that mattered most, while I held on tight to the end of the rope, I could keep you close, but I couldn't keep you here, a lot can happen in a year."

Smith and SHINEDOWN bassist/producer Eric Bass co-wrote "Three Six Five", and "Dance, Kid, Dance" was co-written by Smith, Bass and Dave Bassett. The songs were produced by Bass at his own Big Animal Studio in Charleston, South Carolina.

In celebration of the new songs for 2025, the "Dance, Kid, Dance" tour kicks off on April 25 in Des Moines, Iowa and will be one of the band's largest U.S. tours ever. The 35-date run will hit some of the country's most iconic venues, including New York's Madison Square Garden (July 20),Boston's TD Garden (July 19) and Nashville's Bridgestone Arena (May 10) and more! Joining them on the tour are BEARTOOTH and BUSH (on select dates),as well as Morgan Wade on all shows.

For the tour SHINEDOWN has teamed up with Musicians On Call (MOC) and will be donating $1 for every ticket sold for the tour. As the nation's leading provider of live music in hospitals, Musicians On Call has delivered the healing power of music to patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments for 25 years. More than one million people across all 50 states have experienced the joys of live music in the hospital setting through MOC's bedside, virtual and streaming programs. MOC Volunteers perform live for children and adults facing any health challenge, including Veterans recovering in VA facilities, family members supporting loved ones in need and healthcare workers caring for patients. The collaboration is just one of the many charities SHINEDOWN supports as they frequently give back to organizations in need.

In addition, this week SHINEDOWN was nominated for numerous iHeartRadio Music Awards including "Rock Song Of The Year" for "A Symptom Of Being Human", "Rock Artist Of The Year", and Sanjay Parikh was nominated for "Favorite Tour Photographer" for SHINEDOWN. The new nods bring the band to a total of 13 iHeartRadio Music Awards since the band's inception with no sign of slowing down.

SHINEDOWN continues to demonstrate that they are one of the most forward-thinking powerhouses in music, forever pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a modern-day rock band. The tour and new music not only kick off a new era for SHINEDOWN but continues to celebrate the momentous acclaim the band received from their juggernaut song "A Symptom Of Being Human" off their seventh studio album "Planet Zero" (Atlantic Records). The song, which has reached over 100 million streams and counting, crossed over not only to Alternative but Top 40 radio and resonated with fans across the globe for the unifying message of its lyrics: that it is our human connections that matter the most.

Photo credit: Ebru Yildiz

Swedish hard rockers H.E.A.T will release their brand-new studio album, "Welcome To The Future", on April 25 via earMUSIC.

The LP's first single, "Disaster", which premiered yesterday on rock radio stations across Europe, is out today and guaranteed to snap listeners out of their winter sleep. The single was added to the A List on Planet Rock radio in the U.K.

"Disaster" comes with an explosive music video that merges 1980s arcade aesthetics with metal madness, directed by the renowned Patric Ullaeus (known for his work with EUROPE, ARCH ENEMY, CHILDREN OF BODOM and many more rock superstars).

"Welcome To The Future" delivers everything that fans of the celebrated Swedish rock band love: an innovative, heavy, highly dynamic, and refreshingly melodic sound, the unmistakable vocals of frontman Kenny Leckremo, and an inimitable talent for catchy anthems that leave you hooked for days.

"Welcome To The Future" is now available for pre-order and will be released in multiple formats: CD jewel case, black vinyl, limited-edition neon orange vinyl and digital.

"Welcome To The Future" track listing:

01. Disaster
02. Bad Time For Love
03. Running To You
04. Call My Name
05. In Disguise
06. The End
07. Rock Bottom
08. Children Of The Storm
09. Losing Game
10. Paradise Lost
11. Tear It Down (R.N.R.R.)
12. We Will Not Forget

In support of the album, H.E.A.T will kick off their 2025 tour next week, bringing their breathtaking shows to stages across the U.K., Sweden, Germany, Spain, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Peru.

Former SKID ROW frontman Erik Grönwall sang on four H.E.A.T studio albums — "Address The Nation" (2012),"Tearing Down The Walls" (2014),"Into The Great Unknown" (2017) and "H.E.A.T II" (2020).

H.E.A.T announced in October 2020 that Grönwall was exiting the band after a decade-long tenure and he was being replaced by H.E.A.T's original vocalist Kenny Leckremo.

Grönwall said at the time: "H.E.A.T has really been a place for me to grow as an individual, singer and frontman. The guys recruited this young Swedish 'Idol' guy and believed more in me and my potential than I did myself. I am forever grateful for that.

"Gentlemen it's been a pleasure touring the world with you. I've learned a lot from you, and you've made me stronger. I look forward to build more memories with you, just not collectively as H.E.A.T."

In a new interview with Finland’s Chaoszine, drummer Kai Hahto spoke about his upcoming solo Alone tour, if Nightwish and Wintersun will play live again, and joining his Nightwish bandmates Auri for their third album.





Drummer Kai Hahto (Nightwish, Wintersun) has joined his Nightwish bandmates Tuomas Holopainen and Troy Donockley, in their other band, Auri, which also features Holopainen's wife, singer Johanna Kurkela.




Auri shared the short studio video below to Instagram, in which Holopainen states: "Good evening and greetings from the legendary Petrax Studios in Hollola, Finland, where we just finished recording drums and percussion for the third Auri album by the legend himself, Mr. Kai Hahto, who will also join us for the tour later this year."


Kai adds: "Yes, I'm really thrilled to be part of the live shows and hope to see you all there."


 




 

 
 

 


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Massachusetts’s Aversed share more new music from their forthcoming album. Today, the group’s new digital single and music video “Lucid Decapitation” makes its way online, showcasing their intense, progressive, and blistering performance.


"In 1905, French physician Dr. Jacques Beaurieux performed an experiment on prisoners condemned to die by guillotine. Immediately after his subjects were decapitated, he called out their names seeking to determine to what extent and for how long consciousness remained in their detached skulls,” explains drummer Jeff Saltzman. “In ‘Lucid Decapitation,’ we explore the horrifying prospect of being subjected to such a test, and our world’s hunger for knowledge, regardless of the cost. What does it feel like to be a head, detached from your body? Can science ever be justified in performing such grisly experiments?"







Interesting themes for an interesting album that takes extreme, gothic and melodic death metal inspirations and builds them to create something uniquely Aversed. “Lucid Decapitation” follows up “Cross To Bear”, which weaved wondrous awe with righteous anger and left fans anxious for more new music.


Packaged with intriguing artwork from Adam Burke (Unto Others, Gatecreeper, Cloak) of Nightjar Illustration, and self-produced by guitarists Alden Marchand and Sungwoo Jeong with orchestrations composed/arranged by Vikram Shankar (Redemption, Silent Skies, Pain Of Salvation), the album is mixed by AJ Viana (Wormhole, Hath, Cognitive) and mastered by Brad Boatright (Code Orange, Obituary, 200 Stab Wounds) at Audiosiege.


Erasure Of Color will be in stores and online March 21, 2025 and preorders are now available on CD

Colorado’s Buried Realm, led by the talented Josh Dummer, is excited to announce the release of their new single, "Where The Armless Phantoms Glide, Pt. II". This single is a precursor to their eagerly awaited album, The Dormant Darkness, slated for release on April 4, 2025.


Josh: "'Where The Armless Phantoms Glide, Pt. II' marked the beginning of the album’s journey — a foundation upon which the rest of the material would grow. It began with a vision for gritty power metal vocals and 'spider-esque' riffing that seemed tailor-made for clean, commanding vocals. As the track evolved, it took a turn towards a darker, more cinematic tone, which led me to collaborate with Björn Strid, whose vocal style perfectly matched the transformed spirit of the music. The inclusion of Heikki’s powerful drumming and Francesco’s orchestral elements further enhanced the cinematic quality of the track."

Danish death metal/metallic hardcore outfit Lifesick is pleased to kick off the year with a new video for "Peace Through Superior Firepower." The track comes by way of the band's critically lauded Loved By None, Hated By All full-length, released last Fall on Metal Blade Records.


LIfesick manifests brutal and brutally honest songs with lyrics inspired by the turbulent nature of life. Musically influenced by Swedish death metal, the band's authentic and explosive mixture of crushing tones and modern breakdowns create an uncompromising sound and vision.







Comments the band on "Peace Through Superior Firepower," "The idea of trying to spread peace around the world with bombs and guns is one of the most bizarre aspects of the human race. Some of us are raised with love, and a subtle hint of hate for others. This song features heavy and catchy guitar riffs, with plenty of sing-along vocal parts. The track includes layers of samples and pitched-down guitar, giving the breakdown a distinct feel compared to the rest of the songs on the album. 'On

LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe has blasted Elon Musk for giving a one-armed gesture during a speech celebrating the inauguration of Donald Trump.

Speaking at a celebratory rally at the Capital One Arena in Washington hours after Trump was sworn in as president, Musk thanked the crowd for "making it happen", before placing his right hand over his heart and then thrusting the same arm out into air straight ahead of him. He then turned and repeated the action for those sitting behind him.

"My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured," the 53-year-old said, after giving the second one-armed salute.

Earlier today (Wednesday, January 22),Blythe shared the following message via his Instagram Stories: "It's taken me a couple of days to wrap my head around this one. I've tried to consider every angle. Maybe he's a Nazi? Maybe he's just trolling? Maybe he's just so socially awkward he can't control himself? WHO KNOWS? The motherfucker is weird. But one thing is blatantly obvious-he's a FUCKING ASSHOLE.

"Does Elon Musk have Asperger's? Oh, I definitely believe so. That doesn't mean he's not a COMPLETE ASSHOLE- the two are not mutually exclusive, by the way. For fuck's sake, he named his son 'X Æ A-Xii'- who would do that to a child other than a pure and unadulterated thoroughbred PRICK?

"I know a few people with autism- not a single one of them has ever REMOTELY reminded me of Hitler. Even if it WAS an autism-induced mistake, he refuses to cop to it, and that tells us everything we need to know. Because, you see, that's what people with correctly calibrated moral compasses do- they admit their mistakes.

"Supposedly Musk may become an actual government employee at some point- that means we the people will be paying his salary (not that he needs it.) So as a tax paying citizen of the United States, I have a request for the 47th-President Trump, please put your KETAMINE-FUELED PET ROCKET MONKEY back in his cage so he can do things he's suited for- obviously appearing in public is not one of them.

"Oh, and of course: FUCK ALL NAZIS."

After some people on Musk's X social media platform likened his one-armed gesture to a Nazi salute, others disagreed. On Tuesday (January 21),Elon dismissed the criticism, writing on X: "Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired."

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL),a nonprofit focused on combating antisemitism, defended Musk, writing on X: "It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge."

In the last few months, Musk's political views have increasingly shifted to the right. He has made recent statements in support of Germany's far-right AfD party and British anti-immigration party Reform UK.
This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety.

It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on…

— ADL (@ADL) January 20, 2025

Melodic hard rockers, Alliance, are pleased to announce the release of their new studio album, Before Our Eyes, out March 28 via Frontiers Music Srl. The first single and accompanying video, “Tell Somebody”, are also available now. Find the clip below.


Alliance comment on the new album: “We are excited to have a new label and to be working with the team at Frontiers. With 5 albums released over the last 30 years we are feeling even more creative and energized by the possibilities that lie ahead. We are looking forward to reaching a wider audience and are already hard at work on album 7.”


About the new track, they add: “The first single from the new album is 'Tell Somebody'. The songs narrative  applies to everyone of us having things going on in our lives that other’s might not see but the hidden meaning alludes to the divisive climate in the world. An open heart, truth and clarity, are the goals.”




Renowned melodic hard rock band Alliance, with a nearly thirty-year collaboration, and six highly regarded studio albums, return with their new release, Before Our Eyes, their first on the Frontiers label, and the first in several years following Bond Of Union (1996), Alliance (1997), Missing Piece (1999), Destination Known (2007), Road To Heaven (2008) and Fire And Grace (2018).


For the new album, the core of the band remains the same with guitarist Gary Pihl (Boston), drummer Mr. David Lauser (Sammy Hagar) and bassist Robert Berry (3, GTR). After Sammy Hagar stopped his solo career to join Van Halen, his drummer David Lauser, along with guitarist Gary Pihl still longed for the allusive missing pieces for a new project outside of their main gigs.


Early in 1993, Robert Berry received a call from Lauser. They reached out to keyboardist Alan (Fitz) Fitzgerald (ex-Night Ranger), and gathered together at Hagar's studio in Mill Valley to work through songs from their demos. According to a witness, “there was an immediate connection. Everybody in the room could feel it. The vibe was powerful and inspiring”. They immediately recognized the common thread that would feed their creativity.


A signature style was beginning to emerge, and the band was bonding even though they were spread geographically throughout the country, with Pihl in Boston, Fitz based in Texas, Lauser in Southern California and Berry in the heart of Silicon Valley.


Over the years and up to today, Alliance continues to solidify and bolster their long-distance collaborations. Though the scheduling remains challenging their passion and commitment remains energized. Their musical benchmark, perhaps a product of

Testimony Records have announced Dutch death metal veterans AntropomorphiA have signed a multi-album deal with the label. Welcome to our choice roster. AntropomorphiA will release their sixth full-length via Testimony Records in 2025.


"We stand at the gates of a new dawn", guitarist and vocalist Ferry Damen writes. "With venomous energy and fanatical determination, we enter this new chapter of AntropomorphiA. Partnering with Testimony Records, we are set to unleash our dark creativity upon this decaying world, ready to devour flesh and souls."


"We're thrilled to announce the signing of AntropomorphiA", label manager Thomas Strater enthuses. "This band has been a driving force of the Dutch death metal scene for the past 35 years and especially over the last decade where they refined their sound to the hybrid monster that it is today. Their unique creation of uncompromising blackened death metal will drag you to hell once it got a hold of you!"

RISE AGAINST returns with its first new music in three years. Out now on Loma Vista Recordings, "Nod" is a rally cry and call to action, fueled by compassion, camaraderie and the collective urge for change.

"'Nod' is about the solace we find in community," says lead vocalist and lyricist Tim McIlrath. "It's about the comfort in knowing that we are not alone. This comfort can temper our anger and our frustration, at least temporarily."

Produced by Catherine Marks (BOYGENIUS, FOALS, MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA, ST. VINCENT) and mixed by Alan Moulder (NINE INCH NAILS, PARAMORE, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, THE KILLERS),"Nod" serves as a searing statement of intent, arriving at the outset of RISE AGAINST's inspired next chapter. Just as the stakes could not be higher, the Chicago punk rock band is back bigger, louder and more progressive than ever, imploring listeners to replace reactions with action. "I swear to God this can't wait," McIlrath proclaims at the top of the song's chorus. "Not one more minute, one more day." Now is the time to resist the constant stimuli that stokes division: stop lashing out, start joining together to consider who benefits from our blind anger. "Are you saving the world so desperately, or are you holding a gun demanding peace," he asks in the second verse. "Because the line that is drawn between nightmares and dreams is thin like a razor, and we're fast asleep."

Read more in Tim McIlrath's newly published manifesto here, via the band's Transistor Revolt newsletter and broadcast channel.

Following 2021's "Nowhere Generation" — an album confronting the daunting social injustice and economic instability that has been dealt to America's youth — RISE AGAINST continues to meet the moment. Like the body of multi-gold and platinum hits that have come before it, "Nod" further amplifies the type of invigorating music, outspoken messages and bulletproof melodies that have earned billions of streams, filled arenas, topped charts, broken records, and, above all, united millions of diverse fans in a necessary embrace of vital issues.

Later this month, bandmembers Tim McIlrath (lead vocals/guitar),Joe Principe (bass/vocals),Zach Blair (guitar/vocals) and Brandon Barnes (drums) will hit the road for an extensive run of shows across Europe, before playing dozens of U.S. arenas, amphitheaters and pavilions with PAPA ROACH, as part of the co-headline "Rise Of The Roach" tour.

Photo by Alexa Viscius

Fueled By Ramen band, One OK Rock, have today released a brand new track, "Puppets Can't Contol You," available now at all streaming services here. Listen below.


The song was exclusively premiered during the first episode of the nationally televised drama Mikami Sensei in the band's native Japan just before its digital release, and will be featured on One OK Rock's forthcoming album, Detox, which arrives everywhere February 21 and available for

A guitar owned by legendary rock musician Jeff Beck has been sold for £1,068,500 (approximately $1,317,111) at auction.

Beck's Oxblood Les Paul, which came into his hands in 1972 and is immortalized on his "Blow By Blow" album cover, had a pre-auction estimate of £300,000 - £500,000.

Amelia Walker, head of private and iconic collections at Christie's auction house, said: "Originally it was not an Oxblood. It was a Gold Top. Fans will know it from the cover of his debut solo album 'Blow By Blow', released in 1975, recorded with George Martin. He used it for the encore at the end of David Bowie's final performance as Ziggy Stardust in July 1973."

The Christie's auction, "Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection", comprises over 130 guitars, amps, pedals and "tools of the trade." These are the instruments which the late, great guitar legend Jeff Beck (1944–2023) played through his almost six-decade-long career, from joining THE YARDBIRDS in March 1965 to his last tour in 2022.

Other highlights include the original "Yardburst" — the 1958 Gibson Les Paul bought in London in 1966 while in THE YARDBIRDS, and several Fender Stratocasters, the guitar with which Jeff Beck's playing became synonymous and which he described thus: "My Strat is another arm. It's part of me. It doesn't feel like a guitar at all. It's an implement which is my voice."

A multi-Grammy Award-winning artist — twice inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame — his inimitable sound led to collaborations with countless internationally renowned musicians and friends, including Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Billy Gibbons, Jan Hammer, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Tina Turner, Nile Rodgers, Mick Jagger, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Imelda May and Johnny Depp, amongst many others.

From the outset, Jeff Beck was a sonic innovator; a maverick and mercurial virtuoso who blazed the trail for musical genres as diverse as psychedelia, heavy metal and jazz-rock fusion, and who embraced a wide range of influences from the blues, rockabilly and rock 'n' roll to Indian sitar music, Bulgarian folk, techno and opera. A maestro of his trade, Jeff could make just about any sound possible with a guitar and an amp. His playing style could not be defined and part of his magic lay in the balance between the fluidity and aggression of his playing and his technical brilliance, which could swing from furious attack one moment to sheer ethereal beauty in the next.

The ultimate guitarist's guitarist, Jeff Beck was a rock pioneer whose influence on his peers was unmatched. Now Christie's presents his instruments to the world — the guitars through which he shared his emotion and voice — paying tribute to his enduring legacy.

For more information, visit www.christies.com.

Beck died "suddenly" in January 2023 after contracting bacterial meningitis, his representative said.

Having cultivated one of the most influential careers in rock history, Beck was universally acknowledged as one of the most talented and significant guitarists in the world, and has played alongside some of the greatest artists of rock, blues and jazz.

Over the course of his distinguished 50-plus-year music career, he had earned an incredible eight Grammy Awards, been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time," and been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame twice — once as a member of THE YARDBIRDS and again as a solo artist. In the summer of 2016, the guitar virtuoso celebrated his five decades of music with an extraordinary concert at the famous Hollywood Bowl.

Speaking when he was inducted to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for the second time in 2009, Beck said: "I play the way I do because it allows me to come up with the sickest sounds possible. That's the point now, isn't it? I don't care about the rules. In fact, if I don't break the rules at least 10 times in every song, then I'm not doing my job properly."

Beck famously replaced Eric Clapton as THE YARDBIRDS' lead guitarist in 1965 and later went on to form THE JEFF BECK GROUP, which featured Rod Stewart on vocals and Ron Wood on bass. Their two albums — "Truth" (1968) and "Beck-Ola" (1969) — would become musical touchstones for hard rockers in the years to come.

The constantly evolving Beck's next move — a power trio with bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice, which released "Beck, Bogert And Appice" (1973),once again shattered people's preconceptions of what a rock guitarist was supposed to sound like.

1985's "Flash" kept Beck in the spotlight as he earned the "Best Rock Instrumental" Grammy for the song "Escape". A second Grammy came with Jeff Beck's "Guitar Shop" with Terry Bozzio and Tony Hymas, and a third for "Dirty Mind" from the "You Had It Coming" album in 2001. 2009 saw the release of the platinum-selling "Performing This Week… Live at Ronnie Scott's", which earned a Grammy for "A Day In The Life".

Beck's astonishing 2010 solo album, "Emotion & Commotion", brought about two additional Grammy Awards; Beck was nominated in five categories before bringing home three: "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" for "Hammerhead" and "Best Pop Instrumental Performance" for "Nessun Dorma", both from "Emotion & Commotion", and "Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals" for "Imagine", his collaboration with Herbie Hancock.

His "Rock 'N' Roll Party (Honoring Les Paul)" album was nominated for a 2012 Grammy Award for "Best Rock Album". In 2016 he released "Loud Hailer" and in 2017 "Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl" was released, both to widespread critical acclaim.

The eight-time Grammy winner is survived by his wife Sandra.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE has shared the official music video for a new song called "I Believe". The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "This Consequence", due on February 21, 2025 via Metal Blade. "This Consequence" is KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's ninth album overall, and sixth with singer Jesse Leach, who rejoined the band in 2012.

"'I Believe' is about undying hope," says Leach. "During difficult times perspective is everything. Knowing deep down that 'this too shall pass' has been a beacon of light for me. I do believe there is meaning behind suffering. If we are able to push through difficult times and come out the other side, there is a renewed sense of purpose."

He continues: "I know there are much more commonalities between all of us as humans than there are differences. The good far outweighs the bad. This is my message to anyone who's listening, things will get better! However you have to believe that they will!. There is power in faith, there is power in manifestation and prayer! Keep the faith and push forward with the confidence of better days ahead. Do not let this world pull you down into despair. Tomorrow is a new day and a new possibility for change!"

In a recent interview with Joshua Toomey of the "Talk Toomey" podcast, Leach stated about the "dark", "angry" and "aggressive" nature of "This Consequence": "Yeah, I think angry, dark and aggressive, for better or for worse, is kind of what the world needs right now, I think, therapeutically speaking. I think a lot of us can relate to frustration, anger, betrayal, all those things, and that's kind of what I highlighted lyrically with this album; I was really focusing on that stuff. But I will say this: if you really read into the lyrics, there's a positivity through a righteous anger, anger that wants to sort of wake people up and have people choose their own path instead of just the blind leading the blind, which is what we see so much in society and our governments and organized religion and all these things that control us as people. It's very much about breaking out of the matrix, if you will, and carving your own path. And there's a righteous anger underneath all of it, and that's where the positivity lies. But I think with metal music, the great thing about it is you can talk about dark stuff and it is therapeutic. That's why a lot of us get into this kind of music."

Jesse also talked about the lyrical inspiration for the first single from "This Consequence", a song called "Forever Aligned", which was made available in November. Speaking specifically about the line "now my tongue must confess", Jesse said: "Yeah, I'm always weaving in and out… I was raised by a minister, I was raised in a Christian home, so even though I don't subscribe to organized religion anymore, I like using biblical words here and there to sort of tie in the themes. I'm very much a believer in in God, if you will, in general. I know people roll their eyes when other people say that, but my journey has been such where I've just seen much deeper things that I don't think can be defined by a particular human organized religion. And 'Forever Aligned' is about that. It's about love. It's about, first and foremost, the song was inspired by the love I have for my wife and the relationship we were able to have during the pandemic, especially, where it was just the two of us, nobody else, and really learning what love and sacrifice is, and then weaving that into what I believe God is. God is love, to keep it really general for people to understand. We can try to tap into that as humans, that word 'love', but it's far beyond human comprehension. So that song is very much about being broken and in a dark place and finding salvation through love."

Elsewhere in the chat, Leach touched upon his growth as a vocalist since the release of 2019's "Atonement" LP, saying: "Truth be told, ['This Consequence'] was very difficult for me to write and sort of find my inspiration again. And even vocally, learning new techniques, like the vocal fry, and trying to add that into my old technique and still sound like me, it was a long, hard process.

"Especially after my vocal surgery in 2018, I relearned how to speak differently — I speak differently than I did," he explained. "I'm more measured; I make sure my voice is placed in the right place. And through that, it went into my vocals, my singing, especially. I was really focusing on my singing first and foremost to stay in key and not go flat or sharp. Then it was, like, my screams were — I was so paranoid. I was really worried about… We do three shows in a row. That fourth show, I'm, like, 'It's getting difficult. I can feel the swelling happening.' So I was really studying vocal fry, 'cause you can do a lot of cool stuff with fry, but me with my voice, it has such a signature sound to it, I guess, according to Adam [Dutkiewicz, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist and producer], at least, that if I just went into that new technique completely, the lows were missing something, my yelling. It different. So I was going into these demos just doing fry, saving my voice, especially thinking that, once I get to the studio, it's going to be fatiguing; we're doing four- or five-hour sessions. But I kept falling flat and the voice just didn't sound right. For some of the high stuff, it works, but for the lower, mid stuff and for the death metal growls, that's all old school… It's the old-school way, the way we all started doing it in the late '80s and early '90s. So I've learned, thankfully, through a lot of trial and error, and this album had a lot to do with it, to blend the styles. So I can do my old-school stuff, and then I can sort of blend in some of the vocal fry to hit those crazy, maniacal-sounding highs without it destroying my voice."

When "This Consequence" was first announced in late November, Leach said in a statement: "'This Consequence', to me, is the combination of everything the past five years has thrown at us as a band, as humans, and society as a whole. This album is just as much about everybody and their stories as it is for me about my journey personally. Sonically, I love the combination of everybody's ideas and contributions on this album. It feels more like a collaboration than the past few records have been. When all is said and done, I wouldn't change anything about this album."

He added: "I think it's the exact record we needed to make. I'm honored and proud of what we all were able to create and refine through this music and message."

"This Consequence" track listing:

01. Abandon Us
02. Discordant Nation
03. Aftermath
04. Forever Aligned
05. I Believe
06. Where It Dies
07. Collusion
08. The Fall Of Us
09. Broken Glass
10. Requiem

In March 2024, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Joel Stroetzel told Mathias Henrixon of A Swedish Fika With… about Leach's comment that the band's upcoming LP has been the most difficult KILLSWITCH album for the singer to make: "Yeah. He came back and retracked a lot of stuff because he had… Over the past few years, he's kind of trained his voice to do the fry technique live, which, it's been great. It's been kind of a godsend for him live, because he never blows his voice out anymore. But I think him and Adam were finding when he was tracking, using that technique, he wasn't getting all the different growls and things he used to get. So, he decided to go back and kind of revisit things, maybe swallow some glass and go for it. [Laughs] He's been doing great."

Regarding the musical direction of the new KILLSWITCH material, Joel said: "It definitely sounds like a KILLSWITCH record. I think a lot of the songs are on the heavier side. A lot of fast songs. There's still all the melody and stuff that we normally do, but there's a lot of aggressive stuff on this one."

"Atonement" was released in August 2019 via Metal Blade Records in the U.S. and Sony Music Entertainment in the rest of the world. The disc featured guest appearances by former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones and TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy. It marked the band's third full-length release since the return of Leach, who rejoined the group in 2012.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE will embark on a headline tour in March 2025. It's their first tour of North America since late 2022. The trek will feature support from KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING and FROZEN SOUL, and will kick off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine.

Fans of the iconic Canadian progressive metal band VOIVOD are in for a treat with the unexpected discovery and release of the "Blame Us" performance video from their self-titled 2003 album, featuring ex-METALLICA member Jason Newsted on bass. This long-lost video, found deep in the production archives, captures VOIVOD in a raw and electrifying performance that showcases their unique blend of metal and progressive rock.

The discovery of this footage is nothing short of serendipitous, coming at a time when the meaning of the song and singer Denis "Snake" Bélanger's lyrics feel more prescient and potent than ever in today's world. The themes of "Blame Us" resonate deeply with contemporary issues, making this release both a nostalgic trip and a reflective commentary on the present.

In 2003, Jeff Ertl and Keith McCabe, both accomplished ILM Visual Effects artists, directed the VOIVOD video "We Carry On", which was prominently featured on MTV's "Headbangers Ball". During the band's tour of the Southwest with SEPULTURA in April 2003, the duo traveled with VOIVOD, filming in Tucson, Arizona, Albuquerque, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. Additional footage was compiled from the Bourbon Street Bar and Grill in Concord, California, marking VOIVOD Mark 3's first show, and at Newsted's Chophouse recording studio.

"Uncovering this video was like finding a missing puzzle piece from VOIVOD's illustrious history," said Ertl. "It's a privilege to share this moment with the world, giving fans a glimpse of a powerful performance that many thought was lost to time. The timing of its discovery makes the song's message all the more powerful today."

The "Blame Us" performance video is now available for viewing on YouTube and below, offering fans an opportunity to reconnect with VOIVOD's classic sound and energy. Don't miss this chance to witness a piece of metal history brought back to life.

Formed in 1982, VOIVOD has become a pioneering force in the progressive metal scene, known for their innovative approach to music and their ability to evolve with each album. Over the decades, VOIVOD has remained influential, continuously pushing the boundaries of metal music.

Press photo courtesy of Chophouse Records

VLTIMAS (pronounced 'uhl-tuh-mas'),the multinational quintet featuring Norwegian guitarist Rune "Blasphemer" Eriksen (ex-MAYHEM, AURA NOIR),American vocalist David Vincent (ex-MORBID ANGEL) and Canadian drummer Flo Mounier (CRYPTOPSY),has released the official music video for the song "Mephisto Manifesto". The track is taken from VLTIMAS's second album, "Epic", which came out in March 2024 via Season Of Mist.

After three decades on the throne, even the most Satanic rulers are guilty of sitting back and admiring their dirty work. But VLTIMAS are still doing the devil's work. "Mephisto Manifesto" declares their unholy dominion over extreme metal. "I'm righting all their wrongs", Vincent growls with righteous disdain at his lesser demons. His captors may put a stop to his grand plan in the song's devious video, but the closing solo from Eriksen seals the band's oath to extreme excellence in blood.

VLTIMAS will join forces with SEPTICFLESH and EX DEO for the "Modern Primitive In North America" tour in February.

Vincent says: "We are teaming up with our metal brothers SEPTICFLESH and EX DEO for VLTIMAS's first-ever North American tour next month. We look we look forward to sharing our strength and misery with our friends and fans. This indeed will be EPIC!"

Rounded out by Dutch bassist Ype TVS (ex-DODECAHEDRON) and Portuguese guitarist João Duarte (CORPUS CHRISTII),VLTIMAS fortified its signature with wicked invention, as applauded by Decibel magazine, BangerTV, Louder and many others, on their debut, "Something Wicked Marches In" (2019).

"We wrote every bit of 'Epic' together at my ranch in Dime Box, Texas," offered Vincent. "The writing sessions were as organic as they could be. There were times when, at the end of the night, Rune would take his guitar and play something ridiculous. Flo would play something even more ridiculous on top of it. I'd say to the guys, 'I need to capture this.' So, the magic [of VLTIMAS] is being in the same room together, discussing, playing, and recording music and everything else we're doing together. We have unbelievable camaraderie."

While the members of VLTIMAS are not atavists, their preferred creative methods are time-tested and battle-hardened. Technology has its place, but the group thrive when they're together, not separated by the world. Eriksen, renowned as a riff innovator, is more effective when he's got a highly capable sideman like Vincent or Mounier, whose drumming in CRYPTOPSY and his celebrated instructional "Extreme Metal Drumming 101" DVD has proven to be a no-limits player, by his side. Whether it's the moody, angular attack of "Miserere", the wicked groove of "Mephisto Manifesto" or the dark fury of "Nature's Fangs", the chemistry and enterprise of VLTIMAS is undeniable.

"The main goal [of VLTIMAS] is to be real," Eriksen revealed. "To channel the very moment, to let true inspiration out. I don't believe I ever set myself a goal on what an album should or needs to sound like before I or we write it because that means I have to compromise during the process. For 'Epic', we focused on more direct songs, trimming the fat, as opposed to 'Something Wicked Marches In', which had a progressive and 'playful' flair."

VLTIMAS was a profane concept — a constellation of riffs against a modest frame — when formed by Eriksen in 2015. After departing MAYHEM in 2008 and putting his gothic doom outfit AVA INFERI to rest in 2013, the Norwegian's fingers still itched with infernal fury. VLTIMAS was his vent, and when Mounier and Vincent joined, he finally had the cadre of professionals to make it a reality. Together, they devised complementary schemes and themes rooted in rightness. In a world gone mad, VLTIMAS had a vision. On "Something Wicked Marches In", they commanded attention with metaphors about the apocalypse, the ancient goddess Lilith, and truth. Lyrically, "Epic" spears into the very nucleus of strength through Vincent's brio of double entendre and clever wordsmithing. The songs are designed to be heard, read, and interpreted — there are no shortcuts.

"Everything we're doing and messaging is about strength and honor," said Vincent. "These are the fundamentals that I incorporate into my life, which I believe in. I want to share with others, hoping they'll incorporate strength and honor into their lives. I wouldn't say I like spelling lyrics out. I use a lot of double meanings on purpose because I want to inspire the listener to think. I'm not a short attention span guy, and I don't appreciate it. 'Epic' is holistic and meant to be experienced that way."

"Epic" was recorded by producer Jaime Gomez Arellano (PARADISE LOST, GRAVE MIASMA) with engineer Jonathan Mazzeo (first fragment, sickening) at Arda Recorders in Porto, Portugal. VLTIMAS tracked the album throughout May 2023. Arellano also handled the mix and master. Like everything the band does, the main goal was to be honest. The maxim of no sample replacement or re-amping — "Epic" was captured on outboard gear — was adhered to and enjoyed by the team. The result is a sonic expression that sounds like nothing else. From the crushing title track to the epic musicality of closer "Spoils Of War", "Epic" is an absolute beast.

"Stress, long walks, too much alcohol, yet very focused once in the recording mode," Eriksen said of the sessions. "We booked a month, but somehow, that flew by instantly. We worked up until the very end. I even added a few solos at my local Soundscape Studio in Almada, Portugal. Art unfolds, and once you think you are done, there's always another idea popping up."

VLTIMAS brought Italian artist Daniele Valeriani (MAYHEM, UNANIMATED) to visualize "Epic". The aesthetic, as illuminated by music and message, was iconic boldness. The three-eagle head crest with three different crowns, accompanied by transfigured symbols of the Passion and the "impossible triangle," projects effortlessly. In "Epic", the group will dominate. There's no escape from "Miserere", "Mephisto Manifesto", "Scorcher" and "Invictus". Together, they thrust, by resolve and inventiveness, VLTIMAS into the uppermost echelons of extreme metal.

"['Epic' is] old meets contemporary, a symbiosis of all the great things we love about extreme metal," offered Eriksen. "All combined into one album."

"I want to be as emotional and honest [with VLTIMAS]," Vincent added. "I want to tell stories; I want to have the themes that appeal to me; I want to have some messaging that someone can take away, in this case, strength. 'Epic' is strength."

VLTIMAS is:

David Vincent - Vocals
Rune Blasphemer Eriksen - Guitars
Flo Mounier - Drums
Ype TVS - Bass
João Duarte - Guitars

Photo credit: Jolanda Siemonsma (courtesy of Season Of Mist)

ONSLAUGHT founding member and guitarist Nige Rockett is preparing to make his return to the live stage with the band after a three-year absence following a long battle with illness. His first appearance back will be on the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise later this month as ONSLAUGHT kicks off a year of 40th-anniversary shows celebrating the release of the veteran British thrash metal group's debut album, "Power From Hell".

Rockett has endured a number of cancer removal operations, chemotherapy as well as two spinal operations — upper and lower spine — during his forced hiatus, with both conditions now thankfully in full remission/recovery and continuing to heal.

Rockett comments: "It's been a kinda brutal time over the past few years but it's great to finally be back. I'm not 100% by any means and it's gonna take a fair while to get the fitness back, but this will help massively for sure."

He added: "Sadly, no more headbanging for me. The surgeons have told me that it was the likely cause of one of the original injuries and that I must behave in the future or risk a recurrence.

"See you in the pit."

ONSLAUGHT will embark on a European tour in May/June 2025, performing "Power From Hell" in its entirety

ONSLAUGHT's latest album, "Generation Antichrist", came out in August 2020 via AFM Records. It was the first ONSLAUGHT LP to feature new vocalist Dave Garnett, who replaced longtime singer Sy Keeler.

Garnett made his live debut with ONSLAUGHT at the House Of Metal festival in Umeå, Sweden in February 2020.

ONSLAUGHT announced Keeler's departure in April 2020, explaining in a statement that "some things simply aren't sustainable year after year due to the nature of the modern-day music industry."

ONSLAUGHT is one of the most ferocious, explosive and controversial metal bands ever to come out of the U.K. The group released three now-legendary albums in the 1980s — "Power From Hell", "The Force" and "In Search of Sanity" — and became a major influence for many metal generations to follow.

Since reforming in 2005, ONSLAUGHT has performed countless shows in no less than 70 different countries across the globe, earning themselves the reputation as one of the very best live acts in the metal scene today. ONSLAUGHT also has the enviable kudos of being the first international thrash band to perform in Vietnam and Lebanon.

Five critically acclaimed albums were released between 2007 and 2015 — "Killing Peace", "Live Damnation", "Sounds Of Violence", "VI" and "Live At The Slaughterhouse" — with millions of streams between them.

Produced by Grammy Award-winning engineer Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, IN FLAMES, BEHEMOTH),"Generation Antichrist" gathered huge international acclaim, with many renowned rock and metal pundits declaring it the album of the year.

Florida death metallers OBITUARY will celebrate the 35th anniversary of their second album, "Cause Of Death", on a North American tour this spring. Support on the trek will come from NAILS, TERROR, SPIRITWORLD and PEST CONTROL.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday January 24 at 10:00 a.m. local time at www.obituary.cc/tour.

Tour dates:

Apr. 18 - San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre
Apr. 19 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
Apr. 21 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
Apr. 22 - Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater
Apr. 24 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Apr. 25 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
Apr. 26 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether
Apr. 27 - Berkeley, CA @ The UC Theatre
Apr. 29 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
Apr. 30 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
May 02 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
May 03 - Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater
May 05 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater
May 06 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
May 07 - Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Theatre
May 09 - Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
May 10 - Toronto, ON @ The Concert Hall
May 11 - New Kensington, PA @ Perversing Underground
May 14 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
May 14 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
May 19 - Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
May 20 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
May 22 - Maspeth, NY @ Knockdown Center
May 24 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
May 25 - Reading, PA @ Reverb

OBITUARY's latest studio album, "Dying Of Everything", came out in January 2023 via Relapse Records.

In 2022, Decibel Books released "Turned Inside Out: The Official Story Of Obituary", the fully authorized biography of OBITUARY. The book was written by David E. Gehlke, author of "Damn The Machine: The Story Of Noise Records" and "No Celebration: The Official Story Of Paradise Lost".

In 2023, OBITUARY drummer Donald Tardy told Kerrang! magazine that the extended hiatus he and his bandmates went on in 1997 was a positive experience.

"Hindsight is 20/20," he said. "At the time we didn't know if that break was going to be one year, two years, six years or whatever it was. But, looking back, it was fantastic for us to step away and recharge, to get away from the music industry and that scene at the age that we were. And we were gone for long enough that we were hungry again when we got back onstage. It's weird to look back at how long ago that was. Our 'second career' has lasted longer than a lot of bands' entire existences."

In a 2014 interview with Vice, OBITUARY singer John Tardy stated about the band's songwriting process: "Songwriting-wise, it's easy. We really don't struggle to write songs. We've never written a song that we didn't record. We've been together so much. If Trevor [Peres, guitar] just starts off with a rhythm, he almost immediately stops himself before Don or I can say hey, that's not where we're going; it gets erased off the board so fast. What's not easy is the task of actually recording yourself. It really takes a lot of focus in the studio. Playing live — anyone can walk out in front of 30,000 people — you have so much adrenaline going, that's the easy part. You walk into the study and I'm staring at my brother and a microphone and just sitting there—to try and find that emotion, especially with this style of music, to get that energy in a studio, to me, is the biggest challenge. The songwriting is pretty cool. We just allow ourselves to time for things to work. The songwriting's been falling together pretty cool."

Photo credit: Tim Hubbard