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

U.K. metal stalwarts ORANGE GOBLIN have announced their decision to split.

The long-running London-based outfit will play all of its scheduled 2025 dates before closing the book on a three-decade-long career.

ORANGE GOBLIN explained the decision to call it quits in a social media post earlier today (Wednesday, January 22). They wrote: "As ORANGE GOBLIN enters its 30th year of existence, we have made the collective decision that 2025 will be our last. Maybe not forever and who knows what could be possible further down the line.

"It's been a wild 30 years and we have had some incredible experiences and are left with magical memories. For that we are all truly grateful.

"We started the band with no real preconception of what it eventually became, we started as bored teenagers with a mutual love of Heavy Metal, Classic Rock and Punk Rock. We feel very fortunate that we have been able to travel all over the world, numerous times, and have made a network of friends all around the globe. We are proud of everything we have accomplished together, we've always maintained a DIY ethic and done things our own way and on our terms. We have never compromised to fit into any specific scene and we feel we leave a very strong legacy of 10 studio albums, each one a milestone that marks exactly where we were at each point of our journey. Of this, we are fiercely proud.

"It's not been an easy decision for any of us, we have all given 30 years of our lives to this incredible band, but we feel that now is the right time for us to focus our attention on our families and other interests outside the band. We will of course be honouring all the shows and festivals we currently have planned for 2025, as well as a few other things that we have in the pipeline, but these could be your last chance to catch ORANGE GOBLIN live!

"We would like to express our gratitude to every single person that has made this possible for us, there are far too many to name personally, but especially to our wives and children that have supported us no matter what, our former band mates, Martyn and Pete, the current and former road crew that have kept the show on the road for so long, despite us never making things easy for them. But last and by no means least, we thank you, the ORANGE GOBLIN fans that have been the bedrock of everything for us. Nothing we have done would've been possible without the fans that have bought the albums, the merchandise, the show tickets and ALWAYS showed us and made us feel just how appreciated we are. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts."

For the last 30 years, ORANGE GOBLIN has tirelessly flown the flag for all out heavy metal and maximum rock 'n' roll. Driven by passion, persistence and heartfelt love for metal's dark magic, ORANGE GOBLIN has always been a vital force and a risk-free bet. But while some may be content to trade on past glories, ORANGE GOBLIN viewed heavy metal as a lifelong pursuit. In 2024, they released their tenth studio album, "Science, Not Fiction".

Photo by Tina Korhonen

**30 YEARS OF ORANGE GOBLIN....AND THAT'S ALL FOLKS!**

As Orange Goblin enters its 30th year of existence, we have made...

Posted by Orange Goblin on Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Sony Pictures Classics/Sony Pictures UK have released a new teaser clip from the upcoming official LED ZEPPELIN documentary "Becoming Led Zeppelin" in which the members of the band talk about the first time they played together. Check it out below.

Guitarist Jimmy Page says: "I said the first number that I want to do is 'The Train Kept A-Rollin''."

Page continues: "We just kept playing it, doing little solo breaks and all the rest of it and Robert's [Plant, vocals] improvising." Bassist John Paul Jones states that he'd "never heard anything like it" when discussing hearing Plant's vocals for the first time. "I was expecting some cool soul singer, and there's this screaming maniac with this fantastic voice and fantastic range. I was, like, 'What are you doing up there? You'll hurt yourself, man.'"

Plant recalls about the band's first performance: "It was devastating because it seemed like that is what I had been waiting for."

In an archival audio, late ZEPPELIN drummer John Bonham, who died in 1980, says of joining the band: "Well, I was pretty shy, and the best thing to do when you're in a situation like that is not to say much and soldier along and suss it all out."

"Becoming Led Zeppelin" will be released exclusively in IMAX on February 7, 2025, in nearly 200 theatres. Ahead of the release, IMAX will hold one night only early access screenings in eighteen markets on February 5, 2025.

"Becoming Led Zeppelin" is directed by the award-winning, Emmy- and BAFTA-nominated Bernard MacMahon ("American Epic"),and written by MacMahon and BAFTA-nominated producer Allison McGourty. It is produced by McGourty and Paradise Pictures in association with Big Beach, alongside executive producers Michael B Clark, Alex Turtletaub, Cynthia Heusing, David Kistenbroker, Duke Erikson, Simon Moran and Ged Doherty. Editing is by Dan Gitlin, sound supervision is by Nick Bergh, sound restoration is by Grammy Award winner Peter Henderson, with archival research from Kate Griffiths and Rich Remsberg.

"Becoming Led Zeppelin" explores the origins of this iconic group and their meteoric rise in just one year against all the odds. Powered by awe-inspiring, psychedelic, never-before-seen footage, performances and music, Bernard MacMahon's experiential cinematic odyssey explores LED ZEPPELIN's creative, musical, and personal origin story. The film is told in LED ZEPPELIN's own words and is the first officially sanctioned film on the group.

The hybrid docu-concert film also unveils a huge amount of rare and unseen LED ZEPPELIN performance footage. The result is a visceral musical experience that will transport audiences into the concert halls of LED ZEPPELIN's earliest tours, accompanied by intimate, exclusive commentary from the famously private band.

Director Bernard MacMahon said: "The cinematic power of IMAX paired with the film's authentic sound creates an immersive and transportive viewing experience letting audiences feel like they are there, in the venues with the band."

"Becoming Led Zeppelin" is a movie that almost didn't come to fruition — the filmmakers were up against epic challenges, including the fact that hardly any footage from the band's early period existed. MacMahon and McGourty embarked on a global detective search for material to illustrate the band's story.

"We spent five years flying back and forth across the Atlantic scouring attics and basements in pursuit of rare and unseen film footage, photographs and music recordings," writer/producer Allison McGourty said. "Then we transferred each piece of media with custom techniques, so that in IMAX, these 55-year-old clips and music would look and sound like they came out of the lab yesterday."

"We couldn't be more excited to be partnering with IMAX and Sony Pictures Classics to bring this film to big screens for all audiences, ZEPPELIN fans, of course, but also all music lovers and anyone looking for an inspiring, uplifting story with amazing music," McGourty added.

Tom Bernard, co-president and co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics, said: "I had a mind-blowing experience seeing LED ZEPPELIN for the first time in August 1969 at the Texas International Pop Festival in Grapevine, Texas and it has stayed with me ever since. This legendary group merits a spectacular North American theatrical release of this incredible film! I cannot think of a single movie that more brilliantly draws you into an artist's story, shows you how their music was made, and makes you experience it as if it was brand new. I know it will be inspirational to young people and legacy defining for generations to come."

A "work in progress" version of "Becoming Led Zeppelin" screened at the Venice International Film Festival in Italy in September 2021, and the "now completed" cut features "a brand-new sound mix (and) newly unearthed material from the archives of all four band members," according to the Sony Classics announcement.

Speaking about his original goal for LED ZEPPELIN, Page said: "I was looking for a band with four… I didn't want to have a band with just the guitarist and the other guys are bit players. There was a lot of bands like that. I wanted each and every musician in it to be equally as strong. So then when they came together, they would feel the contribution by the others and up their game; everybody is upping their game. I believe that the first album, the musicians — Robert Plant, John Bonham… Certainly John Bonham, but Robert Plant, myself and John Paul Jones had never played at that level of intensity as to the quality of how good they could play. But it all joins together into something really special. And that never stops."

MacMahon previously directed the Emmy-nominated music documentary series "American Epic" about the early American roots music recordings of the 1920s. Page praised the film back in 2019, saying: "When I saw everything Bernard had done both visually and sonically on the remarkable achievement that is 'American Epic', I knew he would be qualified to tell our story."

Plant added: "Seeing Will Shade and so many other important early American musicians brought to life on the big screen in 'American Epic' inspired me to contribute to a very interesting and exciting story."

Jones stated: "The time was right for us to tell our own story for the first time in our own words, and I think that this film will really bring this story to life."

An official LED ZEPPELIN book, "Led Zeppelin By Led Zeppelin", came out in October 2018.

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Former OZZY OSBOURNE and DAVID LEE ROTH guitarist Joe Holmes has shared a new single called "The Deadfall". The track, which was made available under the Joe Holmes name, once again features a recording lineup that is similar to the one that tracked the debut album from Joe's FARMIKOS project, with Holmes on guitar, Robert Locke on vocals, and Holmes's former OZZY OSBOURNE bandmates, bassist Robert Trujillo (now in METALLICA) and drummer Mike Bordin (also of FAITH NO MORE) on drums. Also contributing melodies and lyrics to the song was Brent Hoffort.

Last month, Holmes released a new song called "Cross Eyed Stare" featuring Locke, Trujillo and Bordin.

FARMIKOS's self-titled debut album was released in 2015 to critical acclaim. The disc contained ten original songs written by Holmes and Locke, with writing contributions on eight songs by Hoffort. Some of "Farmikos" featured Brooks Wackerman (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ex-BAD RELIGION) on drums.

FARMIKOS was Holmes's first venture under his own flag since first attaining local notoriety with TERRIFF, an L.A. band he formed after taking guitar lessons as a teenager from none other than original Ozzy axeman Randy Rhoads. Holmes eventually went on to replace ALS-stricken Jason Becker on the 1991 David Lee Roth "A Lil' Ain't Enough" world tour.

In 1995, Holmes was brought to the attention of Ozzy Osbourne who was looking for a new guitarist to take over Zakk Wylde's spot for the "Ozzmosis" album touring cycle. Holmes would go on to co-write three songs, "Facing Hell", "Junkie" and "That I Never Had", which appeared on Ozzy's 2001 album, "Down To Earth".

Holmes began collaborating and creating material with Hoffort and then joined forces with vocalist and Arkansas native Locke in 2011 to put together ideas for what would become FARMIKOS.

OPETH's Mikael Åkerfeldt has 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.

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).

Earlier today (Tuesday, January 21),Mikael shared the following message via the OPETH social media: "Wow, I was completely surprised and shocked to hear about the passing of the great John Sykes. Now, there's a guitar player that's almost frame by frame the image that's conjured up when you think of a 'heavy metal/rock guitarist'.

"I was never a huge fan of TYGERS OF PAN TANG, because I never really listened much to them. I have the 'Wild Cat' record and some others, but when I think of John Sykes I think of '1987' by WHITESNAKE as well as BLUE MURDER. His great project with Carmine Appice and Tony Franklin. The music of BLUE MURDER is sometimes utilized by OPETH when we feel tired and are lacking in energy before a show. We sometimes put on the song 'I'm On Fire' by BLUE MURDER, but with Kelly Keeling on vocals. That song is surely bound to wake you up, it's so over the top! And then of course there's that THIN LIZZY album he was on. 'Thunder And Lightning'. Great record!

"I saw him live only once. He was fronting a reunited version of THIN LIZZY that felt more intended as a tribute to Phil Lynott perhaps? Either way, it was great to hear these classic tunes even if Phil obviously wasn't there. I know that [OPETH guitarist] Fredrik [Åkesson] is a huge fan of Sykes, and even hung out with him a couple of times. That's another story, and one that's best told by Fredrik himself.

"John was a magnificent guitarist in my opinion. And singer/songwriter too! He had a wide vibrato that I suppose is an acquired taste, but I have always loved his great feel and emotional playing. I first heard about him when he appeared in the video for 'Slow An' Easy' by WHITESNAKE. A new version of the song from the one I was used to, complete with Sykes reimagined guitar overdubs. He made it sound a bit more metal (which I liked) but had the good taste to keep the original (and lovely) guitar solo by Micky Moody. Right?

"Anyways, I digress somewhat. On behalf of OPETH I want to extend our warmest condolences to John's family and friends. A great loss indeed!"

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.

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Sepulchral Curses’ third full-length Crimson Moon Evocations paints a vivid portrait of a band at their creative and productive peak. On their Dark Descent Records debut, the Turku quintet demonstrate unmatched ferocity and craftmanship, cementing their place at the very zenith of the global blackened death metal scene.


As with many Finnish death metal pioneers, the band incorporates a distinctive sense of weirdness, blending diverse influences in crafting a sound that’s unmistakably their own. “The backbone is death metal,” states vocalist Kari Kankaanpää, “but we’ve never shied away from exploring new inspirations and influences, which shape the unique edge synonymous with Sepulchral Curse. Music needs to be dark, heavy and furious!”


Crimson Moon Evocations marks the band’s debut with Dark Descent Records, a partnership that feels both natural and profoundly significant: “Dark Descent Records has always held a special place in my heart. To join their renowned roster with this record is a true honour.”




This new collaboration reflects the Sepulchral Curse's unwavering momentum, arriving merely two years after their bold leap forward with Abhorrent Dimensions “With Abhorrent Dimensions we truly began to find our own sound and style, and Crimson Moon Evocations takes an even deeper dive into who we are and crystallises the essence of the Sepulchral Curse sound.”


To capture their vision, the band returned to Finland’s Oxroad Studios to work with producer Tomi Uusitupa, whose influence has be

Perfect Plan have released their new single and accompanying video, “Heart Of A Lion”, the title track from the upcoming studio album, set for release on February 28 via Frontiers Music Srl.


Lead singer Kent Hilli describes the title track by saying: “'Heart Of A Lion' is inspired by our Swedish football hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his story and career. A magnificent football player with a very inspiring story. I can relate to the struggles he had as a youth growing up in Sweden turning his setbacks and people talking him down to fuel for development and reaching higher. The passion, ambition and drive he has is truly one of a kind. He also has the Lion as his “spirit animal” which - together with his unique drive - inspired me for the lyrics and theme of the song."







Perfect Plan’s fourth studio album, Heart Of A Lion, marks the culmination of the band’s musical production to date. Over the course of their first trilogy of albums, All Rise, Time For A Miracle and Brace For Impact, the Swedes have quickly established themselves as a new gold standard in not only the Scandinavian melodic rock genre, but the melodic rock genre as a whole.


Talking about Heart Of A Lion, Hilli continues: “The new album is once again showcasing that we have developed and matured as a band in terms of songwriting and production. The melodies, riffs, and hooks that we have created on this album are overall the best we’ve done so far. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished. Although our main influences like Survivor, Foreigner, Europe, and Whitesnake are still shining through, there’s that unmistakable Perfect Plan sound that is the driving center of it all. And I think we have strengthened that sound and identity.


“With Brace For Impact we wanted to discover a new heavier and 'in your face' sound but on this album, we are back to the sound of the first two albums, with more keyboards and bigger sound taking you back to the 80’s with a modern touch and feel. On this album, we once again teamed up with Mårten Eriksson, whom we worked with on Time For A Miracle."


Hilli adds: “Mårten brought his extreme talent to the songs both co-producing with us and also did he mixing. Mårten's long experience as both a songwriter and producer in the pop industry brought so much to the table and the end result is simply fantastic. If you liked our previous albums, you are gonna love Heart Of A Lion!”


Kent Hilli is a one-of-a-kind singer that gained a world-class reputation almost from the start. His class, range, tone, and heartfelt expression caught the attention of his heroes Giant, who picked him to sing on their latest album Shifting Time, and saw Kent releasing two solo albums in 2021 (The Rumble) and 2023 (Nothing Left To Lose).


Completing the lineup is: Rolf Nordström, guitarist extraordinaire, Mats Byström, the music mastermind who plays bass and forms a solid, rock-hard base with drummer Fredrik Forsberg. The subtle textures, so important in AOR, come from Leif Ehlin’s keyboards.


Heart Of A Lion is a powerful statement from the band offering their absolute best songwriting and production ever: a strong offering with roots very well planted in the 80’s AOR sound. Produced in collaboration with Mårten Eriksson, the band was determined to top the musical results they had previously reached and took a few months to come out with the right musical material.


Sometimes the stars align, and the result is absolutely stunning: a perfect balance of energy and unforgettable melodies is what you are going to find in Heart Of A Lion.


Perfect Plan offers the “perfect” (pun intended) combination: a superb singer, a well-oiled band of experienced players, and a great songwriting talent with a knack for unforgettable melodies and driving rhythms.


With Heart Of A Lion, Perfect Plan has crafted an outstanding piece of work which, while paying tribute to the obvious references to the sound of the classics (think Survivor, Foreigner, The Storm, Giant, etc) and Scandinavian AOR, has a recognizable identity and personal feel.


Pre-order t

With her powerful, gutsy voice, Lorraine Lewis cemented her place in the rock world as lead vocalist for the band FEMME FATALE with their 1988 self-titled MCA album. It produced two big rock singles and MTV videos: "Waiting For The Big One" and "Falling In And Out of Love".

Coming off a nearly six-year run as the fiery lead vocalist of VIXEN, whom she was invited to join in 2019, the 66-year-old singer, songwriter, and sexy no-holds-barred performer is now doubling down on her legacy with a new FEMME FATALE lineup.

"FEMME FATALE is what most people know me for," says Lorraine. "I like being the only girl in the room, and I'm determined to keep my rock legacy alive. I've been working with a renowned songwriter/producer for a FEMME FATALE release. I'm lining up my band and hoping to have something out this year. We have a plan and are looking for the right fit with a label. I want to be around people who 'get me' and I'll never stop doing what I love. Rock and roll never dies."

Notably, Lorraine has also been recording with Lou Gramm, the original FOREIGNER lead singer and Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer. They have recorded an interpretation of David Bowie's "Heroes" for release this June (exact date to be announced).

"While the classic song has been covered by many others, it has never been recorded as a duet with a male and female voice," says Lorraine. "When Lou sings the line, 'I will be king and you will be queen', I melt."

"Lou is vocally brilliant," she adds. "There were moments I could hardly believe I was in the studio with him. The voice I have loved since I sang in bar bands in my hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I mean, 'Hot Blooded', 'Cold As Ice' and 'Midnight Blue'. His voice and chops are like no one I've ever worked with."

In addition to her musical projects, "I'm excited to have jumped into the OnlyFans arena!" says Lorraine. "I've always been unpredictable, and I know guys and girls have had my photo or poster on their wall since my hot videos back in the day. It's time to go for it, have some fun and show off my wild side! I mean one of my singles is called 'Waiting For The Big One'. It just makes sense. I recently saw a clip of Cher saying she wished she would have been 'badder' which made me think, 'Hell yes, I'm joining OnlyFans.' I've wanted to for the longest time. Have you ever wondered what it's like for me to be your girlfriend? Well here's your chance. I'm following in the footsteps of Cardi B., Carmen Electra, Drea De Matteo, and more!"

"So many people put down social media," she adds," but I love it. It's a way to connect with my tribe on a more personal level. I love being belly to belly with the fans & friends of mine."

Lorraine explains how her presence on social media led to working with Gramm. "I do a live 'Q and A' every Sunday at 5 p.m. Pacific (8 p.m. Eastern) where I let my tribe ask me anything. A question I get often is: 'Who would you want to record with?' My answer is always the same: #1 Lou Gramm, #2 Paul Rodgers, and #3 David Lee Roth.

"One Monday back in April," she recalls, "I got a message from his team on Instagram asking what songs I would want to do with Lou! I was stunned. Is this for real? They asked for my phone number and could I take a call with Lou on a Friday at 1:30 p.m. Pacific. Of course I said yes, not really sure this was legit. But Friday at 1:30 p.m. Pacific, I got a call and it was Mr. Gramm himself!! He told me to call him Lou. We started emailing and talking once a week to decide on songs we wanted to record together. It took several months, but we decided on some songs, recorded our vocals in May on our first track."

Lorraine is all lit up for 2025 and beyond. "I'm an entertainer. Before FEMME FATALE, I was always a singer and performer who wanted to push beyond the limits," she says. "That will never change, and I'm more fearless than ever. I've recently done stand up and I'm open to having a podcast. I'm still creating reality TV, have plans to produce a docu series, and want to do a remake of a movie. I'm an open book but still have secrets for my exciting future. I'm here to have fun, and live life to the fullest!! Let's F-ing GO!!"

Tampa, Florida-based Midnight Vice have revealed new details about their self-titled debut EP, finally and for the first time ever physically available on CD and Vinyl via the band's new label partner ROAR! "Midnight Vice" will be out in Europe on March 28 and in North America on April 4; the pre-sale has just started here.


Midnight Vice, founded in 2020, is a NWOTHM (New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal) band hailing from the depths of Tampa’s Underground metal scene. With a sound that pays homage to the legends of the 1980’s metal era, they combine crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and blazing guitar solos to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh. They are characterized by denim and leather, with a “take no prisoners” attitude. The group is heavily influenced by bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Savatage, Megadeth, Motörhead and many more. Midnight Vice brings a sense of tradition to their music, all while infusing modern energy that is sure to ignite the flame within diehard metal heads.


Grown up in Tampa, the band was surrounded by the spirit of a lot of legends. “For the band as a whole, Crimson Glory and Savatage are by far the most influential local legends. We're also very big Death fans”, confirms singer Tyler Gray. To Savatage, the band even pays tribute with a cover version of their speed metal classic “White Witch”, from the almighty Hall Of The Mountain King album. “With us being a heavy metal band from Florida, it felt right to pay our homage to a band that put Florida on the map in regards of American heavy metal”, says the singer and adds that Midnight Vice guitar player Sam Bean grew up in Tarpon Springs, the hometown of Savatage.




Stream Midnight Vice's killer cover version of “White Witch” here. Listen below.


Within the past few years, a new and young scene developed, discovering and sharing their love for traditional 80s metal. While the first wave came with bands like Skull Fist, Enforcer, Ram, Cauldron and White Wizzard, a second wave just kicked-off with Midnight Vice possibly becoming one of the bands on top of it. “It is absolutely a new scene. It is incredible to see all of these new bands coming out. It's honestly gotten to the point that it's hard to keep up with all the bands popping up these days,“ Tyler adds. “I remember the heydays of Enforcer and Skull Fist being followed by bands such as Haunt, Riot City, and Sabïre. Since then, I feel like it's just been an overload of new bands. It's really cool to see, and we're happy to be part of such a flourishing movement.”


In 2023, Midnight Vice released their first EP digitally, which will be out physically in late March / early April 2025 on their new label ROAR, the home of Grave Digger, Crematory, Saber to n

Melodic metallers Mantric Momentum have shared their new single and accompanying video “The Highest Mountain”, from the upcoming studio album, Alienized, set for release on February 14, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.


Guitarist Christer Harøy comments on the new release: “On our second album, “Alienized”, we continue to build on the foundation made from the first album: a mix of heavy riffs, twin guitars, melodic vocals and massive choruses”.


About the new single, he says: “We wanted to write an “anthem-esque” song; a driving heavy tune, still very accessible with hooks to sing along to.”




Mantric Momentum is the new melodic the heavy metal group centered around vocalist Terje Harøy (Pyramaze) and multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Christer Harøy (Divided Multitude, Crossnail).


With the debut album “Trial By Fire”, Mantric Momentum raised the interest of the Melodic Metal audience, delivering great songs, amazingly composed and arranged, with a big production.


“Alienized” will bring the band to the next level, with an even more bombastic production, handled by Mr. Jacob Hansen and a collection of songs where Terje’s superb singing together with the excellent songwriting skills of Christer make the difference!


The initial idea for Mantric Momentum first saw the day of light in 2011, when Christ Harøy co-wrote a song with Danish producer Jacob Hansen. The project was slow to come to life though, due to Christer's duties with the bands Divided Multitude, Teodor Tuff, and Crossnail.


Their first single, “Awaiting Tomorrow", was finally released in 2017 along with the track “Immortal”, with guest appearances from Yannis Papadopoulos (Beast In Black), Truls Haugen (Circus Maximus), Joey Vera (Fates Warning), and Ketil A Jensen.


The single “Temple Of My Fears” followed in 2020, this time with Christer playing all the instruments and featuring Ralf Scheepers on vocals. A third single, “Shattered”, was released in 2021 and featured Netta Laurenne (Smackbound, Laurenne/Louhimo) on vocals.


With these songs out