Sabaton guitarist / Majestica frontman Tommy Johansson has shared his solo power metal cover of the Taylor Swift song "Anti-Hero", which was released in October. It is taken from Swift's new album, Midnights. Check it out below.










Johansson recently covered the 1984 Chicago classic "You're The Inspiration". Check it out below.


Johansson: "A song that me I've listened to a lot since I was a kid! My dear friend Chris challenged me to make an extreme power metal version of this song, and a challenge like that I would never decline - and here's the result."

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE bassist Tim Commerford has joined forces with Mathias Wakrat and Jonny Polonsky to form a new trio, 7D7D. The band's debut track, "Capitalism", has just been released via Mad Bunny Records and can be streamed below.

It is hard to pinpoint what hits you first — the misleadingly upbeat, even pop nature of the melody and Tim's vocals, or his signature bass tone; Mathias's totally unique and odd pattern of drums, whose time signatures have hints of jazz, mechanical and electronic rhythms but are all acoustically created expertly integrated; or Jonny's sublime, precise and powerful guitar locking it all together to deliver the lyrics — manifestos, really — that arrive into your mind like a snake in the grass. In just a few lines of "Capitalism", the catchy tune compels you to sing along before you even realize the no-holds-barred content, and the lyrics continue to come down like a gavel, explicitly denouncing the tyranny and injustices Tim observes, and has raged against, all his life.

Raised in Irvine, California, Tim learned the bass and began to channel a tough childhood into music. By the time he was in his early 20s, he was in RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. Tim was also in AUDIOSLAVE (where he met Jonny) and PROPHETS OF RAGE. French-born Mathias first fell in love with percussion through his uncle who played, and began studying it at age 11, before moving to Los Angeles, where he would later meet Tim. Tim and Mathias were fast friends, sharing a passion for mountain bikes and John Coltrane, though it took many years before they performed together in a band.

In 2015 the two were both in the trio WAKRAT, which Tim described as "unapologetic, unrelenting, unbridled and uncensored. Understood?" However, this could be said of every band Tim has been in.

Tim and Jonny first started writing music together after AUDIOSLAVE broke up. Jonny had been a guitar tech, but that humble position is deceptive — Jonny was discovered in the 1990s by Reeves Gabrels, and Frank Black from the PIXIES helped produce his first demo. Jonny was then signed by Rick Rubin to his label American Recordings. Jonny went on to join PUSCIFER, he has toured with many artists, including Tom Morello, and he has recorded with Kevin Haskins and David J of BAUHAUS, and played on the last two Johnny Cash albums produced by Rubin and more.

Australian theatrical glam rockers, Crosson, have shown their tongue in cheek side with the release of their new video and single, "Stop Pretending That You Love Me". With it’s ‘catchy as chlamydia’ chorus, this song will be stuck in your head for days.


Directed by Lord Tim (Lord), the video stars the beautiful Namibian-born Australian actress, model, entrepreneur Verna Amy Mclune and the rising comedic actor Miles Boland who play out a hilarious love triangle during a Crosson rehearsal.


Stop Pretending That You Love Me” is the third video/single from the new Crosson album, Ready, Aim… Rock!!, which was mixed by Duane Baron (Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, Poison) and mastered by Dave Donnelly (Aerosmith, KISS, Cher).







Crosson will be delivering their theatrical over the top stage show throughout Australia in January as part of GlamFest 2023 featuring Faster Pussycat, Wednesday 19, Eclipse, Enuff ‘Z Nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd, Tuff and Sisters Doll.

Metallica have announced that they will release their new album, entitled 72 Seasons, on April 14, 2023. A music video for the first single, "Lux Æterna", is available  for streaming below. The band have also announced a World Tour in support of the upcoming release.





Says Metallica: "Yes, you read that correctly... we have completed recording at HQ, and our 12th studio album is coming your way! It’s been six years since Hardwired…To Self Destruct, so we think it’s about time for some new music. With 12 tracks totaling over 77 minutes, 72 Seasons hits all the places you can consume music on Friday, April 14, 2023.




"Produced by Greg Fidelman, along with James and Lars, 72 Seasons is available for pre-order now on CD, 2LP 140g black vinyl, two different colored vinyl variations, and digitally in the Met Store. Every pre-order will receive a digital instant grat track of the first song we are releasing, “Lux Æterna,” and you can check out the brand new video, one of the coolest we’ve ever made, on our YouTube channel. Directed by Tim Saccenti, we recently traveled to Los Angeles to capture our performance using some crazy cutting-edge technology.


"The album package was once again conceived and art directed by our good friend, acclaimed designer David Turner, and his team. David, who won a Grammy for his work on Death Magnetic, is the man behind the look and feel of all of our recent releases, including Through The Never, S&M2, and Hardwired.


“Is there a special meaning to the title?” you ask. James explains it best: “72 seasons. The first 18 years of our lives that form our true or false selves. The concept that we were told ‘who we are’ by our parents. A possible pigeonholing around what kind of personality we are. I think the most interesting part of this is the continued study of those core beliefs and how it affects our perception of the world today. Much of our adult experience is reenactment or reaction to these childhood experiences. Prisoners of childhood or breaking free of those bondages we carry.”


Pre-order the new album here.





72 Seasons tracklisting:


"72 Seasons"
"Shadows Follow"
"Screaming Suicide"
"Sleepwalk My Life Away"
"You Must Burn!"
"Lux Æterna"
"Crown Of Barbed Wire"
"Chasing Light"
"If Darkness Had A Son"
"Too Far Gone?"
"Room Of Mirrors"
"Inamorata"


"Lux Æterna" video:





More from Metallica: "We told you about our new album 72 Seasons, so what’s next now that we’ve escaped the studio? Hit the road, of course! You want a tour, we’ve got a tour... how about two full years worth of shows?!?!


"Over the past few years, we have been so inspired by the dedication and family/community vibe of the fans who traveled to San Francisco for our recent weekend celebrations, first in 2019 with the two S&M2 shows, followed by last year’s 40th Anniversary shows. On top of that, we had a blast being a part of the 2021 Wimmer Festivals when we played two nights in one city, each with a totally different setlist. With all of that in mind, the M72 tour was born!


"Starting in April of 2023, we’ll be visiting 22 different cities around the world and playing two nights in each city, with each “No Repeat Weekend” show a completely unique experience: Two totally different set lists with two different bands opening the show each night! Purchase a two-day ticket, and you won’t see the same song twice for a total of over 30 songs spanning our 40+ years of being lucky enough to make music. Most of the shows (sorry, not all - we tried!) will be on Fridays and Sundays, so we’ll be sure to have lots of extracurricular events for you to hang with fellow Metallica fans at before the shows kick-off and on the Saturday night in between.


"Presented worldwide by Liquid Death and Blackened American Whiskey (in North America only), and brought to you by our friends at Live Nation, the M72 tour also launches a completely different look for us in stadiums – we’ll be in the round in the middle of the field. On top of that, the Snake Pit has been relocated to the center of the stage so that fans there will have a complete 360 view of the show. Each weekend offers a variety of Enhanced Experiences, ranging from access to a meet and greet, production and stage tour, food and beverage in the “Black Box” lounge to early entry into the venue and the aforementioned Snake Pit. The very popular “Black Laminate” is back, now known as the “I Disappear Ticket,” and is the ultimate pass for the fan who wants to run away with us for multiple weekends. Grab one of these and attend every show on your continent or in the world! For more information about Enhanced Experiences and I Disappear Tickets, visit wearesuper.co/metallica.


"In keeping with the theme of two completely unique shows each weekend, we’re excited to share the stage with different bands each night, including some we have traveled with before and new friends who are joining us for the first time. Signing up for the entire adventure with us are Five Finger Death Punch, Ice Nine Kills, and MammothWVH, and some of you will see Pantera, Architects, Greta Van Fleet, or Volbeat, depending on the shows you attend. All the details are in the listing of dates below and on the individual show pages.


"Two-day discounted tickets will be on sale Friday, December 2, for all shows. Fan Club presales start early on Wednesday, November 30, with various other presales beginning later that day and throughout the week. To request your Fan Club presale code, visit metallica.com/presale-code. If you cannot join us for the entire weekend, single-day tickets will be available starting January 20, 2023.


"A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will go to the band’s All Within My Hands foundation. Founded in 2017, AWMH’s efforts to assist and enrich the lives of members of the communities who have supported the band have raised nearly $13 million – providing $5.9 million in grants to career and technical education programs in the US, over $2.5 million to combat food insecurity, and more than $3.2 million to disaster relief efforts worldwide.


We cannot wait to embark on this new adventure, play some new music, and spend our weekends in ’23 and ’24 with YOU!"





Tour dates:


April
27 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Johan Cruijff Arena
29 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Johan Cruijff Arena


May
17 - Paris, France - Stade de France*
19 - Paris, France - Stade de France
6 - Hamburg, Germany - Volksparkstadion
28 - Hambur, Germany - Volksparkstadion


June
16 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Ullevi Stadium**
18 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Ullevi Stadium


August
4 - East Rutherford, NJ - MetLife Stadium
6 - East Rutherford, NJ - MetLife Stadium
11 - Montreal, QC - Stade Olympique
13 - Montreal, QC - Stade Olympique
8 - Arlington, TX - AT&T Stadium
20 - Arlington, TX - AT&T Stadium
25 - Inglewood, CA - SoFi Stadium
27 - Inglewood, CA - SoFi Stadium


September
1 - Glendale, AZ - State Farm Stadium
3 - Glendale, AZ - State Farm Stadium


November
3 - St. Louis, MO - The Dome at America’s Center
5 - St. Louis, MO - The Dome at America’s Center
10 - Detroit, MI - Ford Field
12 - Detroit, MI - Ford Field


May
24 - Munich, Germany - Olympiastadion
26 - Munich, Germany - Olympiastadion


June
7 - Helsinki, Finland - Olympic Stadium
9 - Helsinki, Finland - Olympic Stadium
14 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Parken Stadium
16 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Parken Stadium


July
5 - Warsaw, Poland - PGE Narodowy
7 - Warsaw, Poland - PGE Narodowy
12 - Madrid, Spain - Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano
14 - Madrid, Spain - Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano


August
2 - Foxborough, MA - Gillette Stadium
4 - Foxborough, MA - Gillette Stadium
9 - Chicago, IL - Soldier Field
11 - Chicago, IL - Soldier Field
16 - Minneapolis, MN - US Bank Stadium
18 - Minneapolis, MN - US Bank Stadium
23 - Edmonton, AB - Commonwealth Stadium
25 - Edmonton, AB - Commonwealth Stadium
30 - Seattle, WA - Lumen Field


September
1 - Seattle, WA - Lumen Field
20 - Mexico City, Mexico - Foro Sol***
22 - Mexico City, Mexico - Foro Sol
27 - Mexico City, Mexico - Foro Sol***
29 - Mexico City, Mexico - Foro Sol


Show 1 Support Europe: Architects & Mammoth WVH**
Show 2 Support Europe: Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills
* Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills play Show 1 in Paris, Architects & Mammoth WVH play Show 2 in Paris
** Volbeat replaces Architects on Show 1 in Gothenburg


Show 1 Support North America: Pantera & Mammoth WVH***
Show 2 Support North America: Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills
*** Greta Van Fleet replaces Pantera on show 1 both weekends in Mexico City


Citi is the official card of the M72 Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets in the US beginning Wednesday, November 30 at 2 PM, local time until Thursday, December 1 at 10 PM, pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete pre-sale details visit citientertainment.com/.


Find further pre-sale information here.


(Photos - Tim Saccenti)

Drawn Into Madness, the fourth album by groove metallers Fall Of Carthage, was released back in September. The band around SuidakrA frontman Arkadius Antonik and singer Sascha Aßbach offer eight songs of relentless rhythms, catchy riffs, and groove - surely their best album together.





An artistic lyric video is now available for the song "Smell Of The Oak", for which Sascha Aßbach himself is responsible. Watch below.




The complete album is available on all common streaming platforms and the CD can be found at MDD Records, through the band and in well-stocked shops.

Globally acclaimed breakthrough Mongolian rock act, The Hu, are honored to announce they’ve been named UNESCO’s “Artist For Peace” at a ceremony earlier today (November 25) at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, France by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.


They are the first-ever artist in the rock/metal genre to receive this prestigious designation and follow previous “Artist for Peace” recipients including Celine Dion, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Brightman, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller and World Orchestra For Peace. Having met the band on her official visit to Mongolia this past August, Azoulay has acknowledged The Hu’s contribution to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage and their support for the promotion of cultural diversity through music; these are qualities which resonate with UNESCO's values and work.  


Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, The Hu have since amassed a global following and critical acclaim with their unique musical genre they call "Hunnu Rock." It fuses rock and heavy metal with styles of traditional Mongolian music, such as the art of Khöömei (throat singing), the tsuur flute and the Morin Khuur (horse-headed fiddle), all of which have been inscribed by UNESCO on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. "HU" corresponds to the root of the word "human being" in the Mongolian language. With this name, the group claim their humanist commitment. Through their music, they address the themes of gender equality, respect for difference, and the importance of protecting nature. They also promote linguistic diversity by using endangered regional dialects.   




As an “Artist for Peace” - alongside UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors and Champions - The Hu will be designated for a renewable period of two years in which time they will help raise public awareness on UNESCO’s mandate and programs among the general public and youth. The Hu will use their talent and reputation to promote UNESCO's values and objectives through upcoming events and projects to help bring a positive change.


The Hu’s UNESCO “Artist For Peace” title lands alongside their previous awards as Cultural Envoy of Mongolia in 2019 and being the first group and 12th overall recipients of the highest state award in Mongolia, the Order of Genghis Khan, which was granted to the band by the President of Mongolia, Kh. Battulga in 2020.


“Mongolians have upmost respect for our history, culture and the language that was left to us from thousands of years ago from our elders and ancestors,” says band leader and throat singer Gala. “The Hu’s goal and purpose is first and foremost to perform a unique genre of music that gives strength and power upon every listen. Secondly, it is to show the world Mongolia’s nomadic and environmentally aware livelihood that has been passed down from previous generations and to inspire others to live minimalistic lives and enjoy life to its fullest. UNESCO electing The Hu with ‘Artists for Peace’ designation shows their appreciation towards cultural diversity and heritage pieces that are of great value to Mongolians. The partnership between The Hu and UNESCO will bring awareness towards every culture that is distinguished by their unique heritage and core values, so we are excited to be part of a movement that can improve and change so many lives.”


“We sincerely appreciate being selected by UNESCO as part of their ‘Artists for Peace’ and understand the importance of the designation,” adds tumur khuur and tsuur player Jaya. “From a very young age we have been practicing traditional music techniques and instrumentation such as long song, throat singing, horse head fiddle, tsuur and tovshuur, as we know the significance and impact of sharing one’s culture around the world has to rest of the society. Our music delivers profound ideas that are understood in the subconscious mind while delivering hard rock and ethereal tunes. On the surface level, our lyrics and music seem to talk about basic yet important principles of human beings; on a deeper level, they share the preservation of cultures that are in danger of going extinct and allow us to be representatives for groups who have slightly different world perspectives than the modern world. This is a huge inspiration for us and part of our purposes as artists. Therefore, we will do everything in our power to be the inspiration for the cultures that are underrepresented and work with UNESCO to bring them the attention that they deserve.”


“The Hunnu Rock genre’s fundamental values are based on creating safe space in the modern music world for different traditional music styles that are only appreciated by certain geographical regions and has many cultural values to its techniques and history to its instruments,” states The Hu’s producer Dashka. “With UNESCO recognizing that effort and selecting The Hu as their cultural ambassador to stand with what we believe in and what we are trying to accomplish is important to not only Mongolians, but to all nations around the world. In any tradition the lores and the music carry so much of their uniqueness and world view, and everybody agree that sometimes the only way to describe one’s perspective is through music. Our goals and priorities will always be to create amazing music and safeguard the pieces of culture that were passed down to us from prior generations.”


The Hu are currently on the last leg of their global headlining tour which concludes in London, UK on December 9. Earlier this year, the band headlined across North America, a run which included their fiery debut performance at Coachella, and was followed by a supporting tour alongside Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth.


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


Rumble Of Thunder is available to order here.





Tracklisting:


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


“Bii Biyelgee” video:





“Black Thunder” Part 1 video:





“Black Thunder” Part 2 video:





(Photo - Khishigsuren Baasan)

GR Music has shared a video clip featuring guitar legend Zakk Wylde playing through the Ozzy Osbourne classic "Mama, I'm Coming Home". The song appears on Ozzy's 1991 album, No More Tears, and was composed by Osbourne, Wylde, and Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister.










UG: Since this was kind of a surprise that the (Pantera reunion) tour was announced this year, and on the other hand, this is an idea that was kind of in the making for years — for how long have you been discussing this? Or did this just happen? Did you ever discuss this with Vinnie Paul while he was still alive? How did this come to be?


Zakk: "The fellas… there was always word about that going around. And I just always said, 'That's up to the guys.' It's almost kind of like, the way I always viewed it, if Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding called up Eric Clapton because Eric and Jimi, they're all friends. And they're just like, 'Eric, we're gonna get together, and we're gonna go honor Jimi. Would you sing and play Jimi's stuff?' Of course Eric would do it. I mean, that's his buddy. Of course, I would do it.


It's like, 'Zakk, would you ever do it?' It's like, 'Well, of course I'm going to do it. Why would I not?' I'm going to do best job I can, obviously, but that's not my decision, that's the guys. Back in the day with Vinnie, there were discussions, and then, after Vinnie passed away, I didn't think anything would ever happen. I remember Phil (Anselmo) called me one night, and was like, 'Zakk, me and Rex would really love it if you would honor Dime.' And I was like, 'Of course, guys, I would always be here to honor Dime and all your achievements.' The way I looked at it - it's just a bunch of friends getting together, honoring their buddies."


Read more here.


The recently reformed Pantera is now comprised of vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, along with new additions / old friends Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne) on guitar, and Charlie Benante (Anthrax) on drums, replacing the late, great Abbott brothers, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul.





Pantera's 2022 tour itinerary is listed below. Currently, the band has not revealed plans to play any shows in The United States or Canada.


December
2 - Hell & Heaven Metal Fest - Toluca, Mexico
6 - Monterey Metal Fest - Monterey, Mexico
9 - Knotfest - Bogota, Colombia
11 - Knotfest - Santiago, Chile
15 - Vibra - Sao Paulo, Brazil 
18 - Knotfest - Sao Paulo, Brazil


May
26 - Armeets Arena - Sofia, Bulgaria 
27 - Metalhead Meeting Open Air Festival - Bucharest, Romania 
30 - Barba Negra - Budapest, Hungary 
31 - Gasometer - Vienna, Austria


June
2-4 - Rock Am Ring - Nürburgring, Germany 
2-4 - Rock Im Park - Nürnberg, Germany 
5 - Atlas Arena - Lodz, Poland 
10 – Sweden Rock Festival - Sölvesborg, Sweden 
12 - O2 Arena - Prague, Czech Republic 
13 - Verti Music Hall - Berlin, Germany 
15 - Copenhell - Copenhagen, Denmark 
21 - Edel Optics - Hamburg, Germany 
22-24 - Tons Of Rock - Oslo, Norway

Swiss-French female-fronted symphonic power metal band, Hartlight, have signed with Wormholedeath for their From Midland And Beyond EP, due for digital release on December 16.


Hartlight was born in the minds of Noémie Allet and Adrien Djouadou. They both met in the context of music and fell in love with each other. They both share a passion for music, anime, mangas, video games, and games in general.


Noémie wanted to write and compose songs and Adrien proposed to do the arrangements and the instruments. Together, they recorded the songs "Victorious Heart" and "Hartlight" while they were still searching for their style. After reading Berserk together, Noémie had the idea to create a full EP about this incredible story. This context made the duo go into a more power metal style with symphonic elements to translate the epicness and emotions of the story.




The EP would be called From Midland And Beyond and had a first intimate release on the Bandcamp of the band. After a while, the label Wormholedeath spotted it on the internet and signed a first deal with the band. Now, Hartlight is writing an album about their favorite stories because they want to recall and share tales and works they love. The band wants to make people dream and take them on those journeys that gave them courage and support. They plan to play live in the near future. They will be gathering members to complete the team and play their songs on stage after the first album will be fully written.





Tracklisting:


"The Merrow's Chant"
"Be Blessed"
"The Eclipse"
"Into The Realm Of The Elves"


"Be Blessed" video:

During a November 23 Instagram Live chat with fans, former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen was asked about her tendency to evolve musically on every album and never repeat herself. She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I face a challenge every time I start working on a new album. I face a challenge — or many challenges, actually. The biggest one of them is that I hate repeating myself. So I'm one of those artists that don't like repeating themselves. There are artists, there are bands that have found their way and sound in one song and they continue repeating it, and it works. And then there are artists that always evolve, always progress, and I'm absolutely one of those.

"Since I don't like repeating myself, when I'm writing material, when I'm just improvising, gathering around song ideas," she continued. "And then I go back… In the moment, it feels all good. 'Oh, this could be a nice song.' And I go the next day and I listen to what I recorded, and I [go], 'Holy hell. This sounds again like 'The Shadow Self' or 'Silent Masquerade' or… No. [Laughs] I hate repeating myself…

"Yeah, it's a challenge," Tarja repeated. "But it's who I am. But in everything. As a person also, I don't wanna get stuck in my life. I want to progress. I want to learn about myself more. I wanna travel. I wanna see things. I wanna learn. It's important to me. Find new ways. Get inspired. It's the way I am."

Last year, Turunen released her first book, "Singing In My Blood", via Rocket 88. Written and compiled over the first year of lockdown, Tarja searched through scores of photos and memories to create a big, deluxe book about her life in music. There are contributions from friends and colleagues who've played a part in her music on stage, in the studio and at home, alongside lots of previously unseen intimate photos from childhood to the present day.

The 45-year-old Finnish-born singer, who currently lives in Spain (after previously residing in both Finland and Argentina),was fired from NIGHTWISH at the end of the band's 2005 tour by being presented with an open letter which was published on the NIGHTWISH web site at the same time. In the letter, the other members of NIGHTWISH wrote: "To you, unfortunately, business, money, and things that have nothing to do with emotions have become much more important."

NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen later called the decision to part ways with Turunen "the most difficult thing I ever had to do." For her part, Tarja said the way she was kicked out of the group proved that her former bandmates were not her friends. "Maybe one day I'll forgive, but I will never forget," she said.

Tarja will release a new collection, "Best Of: Living The Dream", on December 2 via earMUSIC.

Awake At Last have released their new single, "Save My Soul", to all digital outlets. Watch a lyric video below.





The single is from their forthcoming album, The Balance, due out on February 24. In support of the single the band will join Saliva and Seventh Day Slumber on the road this December.




"'Save My Soul" takes place at a crucial part of the story in the upcoming album. It represents the feeling of being frozen by your own thoughts. There was a time where no matter what I did or tried to do I couldn’t pull myself from my depression and anxiety. I kept sinking deeper and deeper into it. I felt like I’d done everything I could to try and answer some of those deeper questions. Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? I battled those demons in my mind as much as I could, but I couldn’t deny they were a part of me. I felt like I was at war with myself, and I needed help, so the song sort of calls for help. There’s also a bit of an answer though, and it helps to move the ebb and flow of the record forward. It’s a darker element on the record, but I hope that it speaks to those who also struggle with those paralyzing thoughts," says the band's vocalist, Vincent Torres.








Lineup:


Vincent Torres - vox
Eric Blackway - lead guitar
Imran Xhelili - guitar
Drew Hansen - bass
Jeff Dorber - drums

MANOWAR has released the official lyric video for the song "Immortal". The track is taken from the band's latest digital EP, "The Revenge Of Odysseus (Highlights)", which came out in June via Magic Circle Entertainment.

Conceived as a "thank you" for the steadfast and passionate support of the Greek Manowarriors, "The Revenge Of Odysseus" is MANOWAR's take on Homer's classic tale of the great hero Odysseus and his long and perilous quest to return to his wife and son, and protect his home and family.

One of the centerpieces of this project, "Immortal" is a powerful mid-tempo hymn inspired by Odysseus's escape from the island of Ogygia. Yet it is also a hymn to the hero in all of us. A reminder to stay strong in the face of adversity. A call to push on, goal in sight. A testament that those who persevere will be rewarded.

For this project, MANOWAR went to great lengths: bassist/leader Joey DeMaio traveled to Athens to record a narration with father-and-son team Kostas and Konstantinos Kazakos. Kostas, hailed in Greece for his participation in many movies and as an accomplished theater actor and writer, and his son Kostantinos, who is also a talented actor, narrated a touching dialogue between Odysseus and his son Telemachus. And to honor the historic source material, they did so in Ancient Greek, translated from English by Sakis Tolis of Greek metal band ROTTING CHRIST.

"It was a pleasure and privilege to work with Kostas and Konstantinos, Sakis and everyone else who was involved in this narration," DeMaio said. "I call Kostas 'the Greek Orson Welles', not only because these two giants share many remarkable talents and outstanding voices, but also for being equally passionate to deliver a perfect narration while being humble and kind at the same time! We can't wait to share everything with our fans."

"The Revenge Of Odysseus (Highlights)" track listing:

01. Athena's Theme (00:57)
02. Telemachus - Part I (with Konstantinos Kazakos and Sakis Tolis) (Ancient Greek) (02:42)
03. Where Eagles Fly (with Chiara Tricarico) (03:27)
04. Odysseus and Calypso - The Island of Ogygia (with Kostas Kazakos) (Ancient Greek) (00:45 )
05. Immortal

MANOWAR played the first of two "secret" warm-up shows on June 4 at Jovel Music Hall in Münster, Germany. DeMaio and his bandmates were billed as THE LORDS OF STEEL (performing "the music of MANOWAR") for the gig, which marked MANOWAR's debut live appearance with new drummer Dave Chedrick, who has previously played with RAVEN and KILL RITUAL, among others.

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

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

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

Batio, who will play his first shows with MANOWAR starting February 2023, is a veteran both in the studio and on stage.

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

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

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

MANOWAR's "Crushing The Enemies Of Metal Anniversary Tour 2023" celebrates the band's over-four-decades-long career and iconic albums such as "Battle Hymns", "Into Glory Ride", "The Triumph Of Steel" and "Warriors Of The World".

Martel, who previously played with the Brazilian MANOWAR tribute band KINGS OF STEEL, ended up joining MANOWAR as the replacement for longtime MANOWAR guitarist Karl Logan. This past July, Logan was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for possessing child pornography.

Karl joined MANOWAR in 1994 as the replacement for David Shankle.

Prior to hooking up with MANOWAR, Logan played several bands in northeastern Pennsylvania, including ARC ANGEL and FALLEN ANGEL.

MANOWAR's "Crushing The Enemies Of Metal Anniversary Tour '22/'23" celebrates the band's over-four-decades-long career with focus on four signature MANOWAR albums and their anniversaries: 40th anniversary of "Battle Hymns", 35th anniversary of "Fighting The World", 30th anniversary of "The Triumph Of Steel", 20th anniversary of "Warriors Of The World".

Ian Gillan says that a DEEP PURPLE reunion with Ritchie Blackmore would be "utterly disrespectful" to the current lineup of the band.

Blackmore is a co-founder of DEEP PURPLE and wrote many of their most memorable guitar riffs, including "Smoke On The Water", but he has not played with the group since his 1993 exit. Steve Morse effectively took over Blackmore's slot in 1994 and was in the group for 28 years — longer than Ritchie — before being officially replaced by Simon McBride in July.

Gillan addressed the possibility of a Blackmore return in a new interview with Spain's RockFM. The 77-year-old singer said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Look, DEEP PURPLE is a family that's been together before I joined. In '68, it was Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Nick Simper and Rod Evans. Roger Glover and I joined in '69. And in the intervening periods, there's been David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes and a couple of other guys. And then, when we grew up, when we settled down and the human chemistry was okay, we were getting on fine. We had the reunion with 'Perfect Strangers', but everything was slightly different. Ritchie was different, and I think we all were. Ritchie used to be my roommate in DEEP PURPLE; we used to party together. And I don't like to think of the negatives. I just have lots of fantastic memories of Ritchie as a great guitar player [with] a wicked sense of humor — and I mean wicked — and a professional, a real good guy, in that sense. But something changed in Ritchie when we got back together, and we'd all changed, and the human chemistry wasn't quite the same. So it became difficult. And in the end, there was this antagonism. And I got fired from the band because I wanted to do more touring, and Ritchie wanted to do less touring. And we had a meeting one day, and I said, 'Why don't we go to South America? Why don't we go to Russia? Why don't we go all over the world? We're a live band.' And the next day Ritchie went to the management and said, 'Well, it's him or me.' So they chose him. And that was fine. And then they made a record with — another singer; I can't remember his name. And the record label said, 'Either you get Ian back in the band or we're tearing up the contract.' So I went back in DEEP PURPLE, and Ritchie went crazy. He didn't like it. So eventually he walked out. So, in normal terms, in a family or something like that, because we are a family, you'd think it was like a divorce — something like that. He walked out; he's gone. But he wanted to keep control of the band after having walked out. And he's been a pain in the ass ever since. [Laughs] But we are getting on much better these days. I think his manager has got a lot to do with it, the problem that exists. So it's one of those things that you cope with."

Ian added: "I think the idea of a call for a grand reunion or something like that, it would be utterly disrespectful to the living, breathing DEEP PURPLE. It would be awful. The atmosphere would be terrible. It would be artificial. It would be only for money — nothing else. Because there's no love there. There's no affinity.

"Twenty-five percent of the essence of DEEP PURPLE is improvisation, and we've got a musician now that is absolutely unbelievable. And I don't know how much Ritchie has been practicing or anything like that.

"I could go on for a long time, but the simple answer is no. It's the ex-wife. We do not want to get back together again."

Gillan previously spoke about his longstanding feud with Blackmore in a September 2021 interview with Vikram Chandrasekar of Tales From The Road. Asked if he is still in contact with Ritchie and whether there is any chance at all of the guitarist ever sharing the stage with DEEP PURPLE again, Ian said: "No. The answer to your question is yes, we are in touch. Tensions eased quite a lot after we got hold of our business affairs and sorted everything out. There were previous managers from the past who had not done things exactly as you would like. I didn't get paid for 10 years when I was with DEEP PURPLE — in the big years — and goodness knows what happened to all that. And there were other tensions too. And needless to say, it was all pretty nasty when we finished and Ritchie walked out. But we're too old for that now. We've both written some pleasant notes via our managers. I can't write to Ritchie or phone him because he doesn't have a telephone, he doesn't have a computer. He lives in a world of greensleeves — he lives in a medieval world, and he has messages given to him and that sort of thing. But he's sent some pleasant words to me, and I've sent some pleasant words to him. There are still issues; there are still bones of contention. I've seen a lot of rubbish being spoken — it's not worth even rising to the occasion — but I hear [former DEEP PURPLE singer] David Coverdale and others talking about what happened at the Rock And Roll Of Fame. Well, we were very kind to everybody, the current band. And we did invite Ritchie to play 'Smoke On The Water' with us at the ceremony, but he declined. So, [those] are just opportunistic remarks from the others.

"We've never had any antagonism towards Ritchie," Ian clarified. "He has his own interpretations, and the rest of us have our interpretations, so it's really not worth being fired up about it. But I think probably this late in our career, and with things moving along so pleasantly for the band, it would naturally enough — we discussed this years and years ago when it was first talked about — it would be a circus and it would be a distraction to everything we're doing, to be honest. It would be no fun at all, because we don't work that way anymore."

Blackmore previously suggested that PURPLE's manager had blocked him from joining his former bandmates onstage during the 2016 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, and he used that as an excuse for not attending the event.

Despite Blackmore being a no-show at Rock Hall, he was given several shoutouts during the induction speeches of the DEEP PURPLE members in attendance. In addition, METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich, who inducted DEEP PURPLE into the institution, praised "Ritchie fucking Blackmore" for one of the most memorable guitar riffs of all time on "Smoke On The Water".

In late 2020, Coverdale expressed his exasperation at DEEP PURPLE for how he and Glenn Hughes were treated by their former band ahead of their Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction. The singer, who played with DEEP PURPLE along with Hughes from 1973 to 1976, said: "Once it had been announced that we were officially being inducted into it, the current DEEP PURPLE refused to go if Ritchie Blackmore was going to be there. And this was, like, 72 hours before, when I was ready to fly with my family. And this cost me, like, $75,000 [or] $85,000, because you have to pay for all the tables apart from the one you're on, and I had my daughter fly in from Germany, my son came out of college. It was a family affair."

He continued: "Suddenly, Glenn Hughes and I were told, 'Well, we don't want you singing with us.' Initially, I'd spoken to Ian [Gillan] about coming up and singing the backgrounds of 'Smoke On The Water', because originally they were going to close the show. So, that suddenly was pulled, the plug. They tried to stop us doing speeches, and my wife was fucking furious, apart from the fact she spent a fortune on posh dresses. [Laughs] And I said, 'Fuck it! Nobody's going to keep us off.' I got in touch with Carole, Ritchie's manager, and I said, 'Tell him to come with me. Nobody's going to fucking touch him. Tell him to come with me,' and he didn't want to do it."

Coverdale added: "The first thing I said when I was up there, was, 'None of us would have been standing here without Ritchie Blackmore,' and I made sure of that point. Steve Morse and Don Airey [current DEEP PURPLE keyboardist] were more complimentary to Glenn and I than the other guys. We had a blast; we had a fucking great time. I'm very happy that I am who I am, and I just talked to Glenn the other day about it: 'What the fuck was up their ass?!'"

SHINEDOWN's Brent Smith joined LYNYRD SKYNYRD on stage on November 13 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee to perform the classic LYNYRD SKYNYRD song "Simple Man".

SHINEDOWN recorded a cover of "Simple Man" in 2004 as an acoustic "thank you" to LYNYRD SKYNYRD singer Ronnie Van Zant's widow Judy Van Zant and later included it — in both acoustic and hard rock versions — on the re-release of the band's debut album, "Leave A Whisper".

Speaking to U.K.'s Rock Sound about the experience of "Simple Man" with LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Brent said: "It was extremely moving and a very special moment for me. They've always been extremely cool with us and always were super positive about us doing the song. The way that we did the song and how it happened was very organic. So things kind of come in full circle. It meant a lot to me. I'm still trying to process it in a lot of ways. But all the guys in SKYNYRD, much love and respect. I appreciate them so much for asking me to come and sing the song with them. It was a great night. I had a lot of fun."

In introducing Smith to the stage at the Nashville concert, LYNYRD SKYNYRD lead singer Johnny Van Zant said: "This next guest, these guys, his band, they're from Jacksonville, Florida, by the way — where LYNYRD SKYNYRD's from. And they did this song so great. When we were thinking about doing this show, I said, 'Man, we'd love to have him.' Y'all give it up for our good buddy… Y'all give it up for Mr. Smith from SHINEDOWN."

On November 15, Brent shared a photo of his performance with LYNYRD SKYNYRD, and he included the following message: "Still trying to process this moment… Thank you @skynyrd and @johnnyroyvanzant for allowing me to be a part of this extraordinary event!!! GOD BLESS #LynyrdSkynyrd GOD BLESS the #simpleman and #woman".

Smith previously spoke about how SHINEDOWN's cover of "Simple Man" came about in an interview with Metal Hammer magazine. He said: "Our original guitar player, Jasin Todd, was married to Melody Van Zant [Ronnie Van Zant's daughter]. When I was writing 'Leave A Whisper', Judy [Van Zant, Ronnie's widow] put me up in her guesthouse, and our first show in front of an audience there to see us was at a club Judy and Melody owned. After we started touring, we played 'Simple Man' on a radio show in Boston. They released it as an MP3 and it got downloaded 500,000 times. After that, we recorded the song in the studio in three takes."

SHINEDOWN's acclaimed new studio album, "Planet Zero", produced by the band's bassist Eric Bass, is out now via Atlantic Records. The album debuted in the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and the official U.K. albums chart, and at No. 1 on six other Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales, Rock, Hard Rock and Alternative Albums.

Led by tracks like "Daylight" and title track "Planet Zero", the album's searing social commentary boldly confronts the societal forces that perpetuate divisiveness while offering a restorative path forward through empathy and open conversation — ultimately serving as a reminder that it is our human connections that matter the most.

"Planet Zero" is the latest addition to SHINEDOWN's record-breaking catalog that has earned the band recognition for their timely and relevant messages behind their chart-topping hits that resonate with not only their global audience and the rock community, but the greater public and our culture at large.

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JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford joined country legend Dolly Parton on stage on November 5 at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony to perform her classic song "Jolene". Also appearing with them as part of a "super jam" performance were some of the other Rock Hall inductees, including Pat Benatar, Annie Lennox and DURAN DURAN's Simon Le Bon.

Speaking to the San Antonio Current about what it was like to briefly share the microphone with Dolly, Rob said: "I knew that there was going to be an opportunity a few weeks before the event. Again, it was just kind of floating around that she was going to do this song at the end of the show and bring all of her friends onstage with her. And I didn't realize that we were going to be so connected. I sang one chorus with Dolly Parton and the world's gone nuts. And I can appreciate that now. I didn't understand it at first. And now these days have gone by, and people are going, 'Where's the album with Dolly and The Metal God?'

"I'll tell you something about her: she's been here forever, a bit like Her Majesty the Queen, who left us recently. What I mean by that is when Dolly walks into the room, you feel this regal presence. She's just got this aura about her personality. She's a genuinely beautiful light of love and caring and philanthropy and humanity. It's all real, man. It's all very real. There are some people who are very different on and off stage. Well, no, not with Dolly. That's Dolly's thing. So, for me to have that opportunity, I was just blessed and honored and thrilled. I know her work because I've lived as long as Dolly, and I was aware of Dolly as a young person growing up and seeing her on British television. She'd come over and do these British variety shows. And here I am, this kid from a public housing estate in the West Midlands in England, and I'm standing next to Dolly fucking Parton, who is now a rock chick."

Back in February, when PRIEST's third nomination for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame was announced, Halford told Billboard that, "I must do a duet with Dolly Parton! … If Lionel [Richie] and PRIEST get in, I think we'll both be dancing on the ceiling together."

Halford had previously revealed he is a huge fan of Dolly, and had planned to take a photo with her at the ceremony.

"I'm going to force her to, even if she doesn't know who I am," he told Metal Crypt in June. "I'm going to see what table she is sitting at. I'm just going to run to the table and do the devil's horns thing. Tongue out, horns up, behind Dolly Parton's head. It's the only way to do it. I can't smile sweetly. I've got to stick my tongue out and my horns up."

Halford told Rolling Stone earlier in the year that he had no issues with Dolly being inducted into the Rock Hall.

"If you look at everyone in the Hall, it makes perfect sense to have Dolly Parton in there," he said. "I think it's just this 'rock and roll' thing. Should it be called the Music Hall Of Fame? I don't know. It started out with rock and roll, and roll and roll is everything and anything. It's just a phraseology."

Rob also talked about the possibility of sharing the stage with Dolly at the end of the night, saying: "I was onstage last weekend with Larry The Cable Guy! [Laughs] It was at Alice Cooper's blast for his great institution the Solid Rock Foundation. If I could stand alongside my buddy Larry and sing 'roll, baby, roll' [from THE DOORS' 'Roadhouse Blues'], I can certainly stand next to Dolly Parton on my left and Lionel Richie on my right."

PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award at the event, which honored Eminem, Parton, DURAN DURAN, Richie, Benatar, EURYTHMICS and Carly Simon in the Performers category.

The JUDAS PRIEST members that got inducted include current members Halford, Ian Hill (bass),Glenn Tipton (guitar) and Scott Travis (drums),along with former members Downing, Binks and late drummer Dave Holland.

Earlier in the evening, Halford, Hill, Tipton and Travis were joined by Binks, Downing and current guitarist Richie Faulkner for three-song medley consisting of "You've Got Another Thing Comin'", "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight".
#RockAndRollHallOfFame@DollyParton Superstar Jammin session of Jolene absolutely amazing 🎸#Pink@Pink@AnnieLennoxpic.twitter.com/gLz4UKrKWO

— Kerry (@kerrykez30) November 6, 2022

Kommandant, after almost five years since their last work, are coming back with a new album titled Titan Hammer, which will be released on January 23 via the Italian label, ATMF.


Kommandant are an American combo that for almost 20 years have been proposing elitist and furious black metal with a unique sound.


ATMF explains something more about this new release: "We are currently existing within a dark epoch. Kommandant took their first steps into the black metal playground whilst the western world was retreating into a deep slumber. We can now either decide to face reality; a call to arms, or remain in such a state of impotence. Kommandant brings forth the inferno; an enlightenment and awareness that is both clandestine, and apparent simultaneously. Ancient phantograms, echoing both the struggle of the past and the actuality of the present, make their fog of war pervasive to all the stagnant relics that hinder advancement.




"Audibly , this is by far the most staggering version of the Kommandant weaponry. Blunt force trauma, striking hard and fast, for maximum effect. The soldiers marching in the fog are obedient vessels, actuated by a primordial magnetic impulse.


"While listening to Titan Hammer it can immediately be perceived as an imminent tragedy, a mere lingering spectre, devouring any remaining glimmer or aspirations. Once fully emerging from this acrid slurry, the miasma will succeed in trapping the listener within the entrails of atavistic phantoms.


"References can be made somehow to nefarious acts like War, Marduk & Zyklon-B.


"Within a scene that is severely over-polluted by disingenuous bedroom projects, Kommandant takes a step to the front with mature songwriting and a professional studio recording shaped in Belle City Sound Company studio, located in Racine, WI.


The artwork and layout is perfectly emphasized once again with the creative genius of artist Francesco Gemelli (Abigor, Katatonia, Kvist, Darkspace, Spectral Lore). Titan Hammer will march and progress deeper and deeper into the battlefield of humanity , like a dagger to the heart of the world."





Tracklisting:


"The Arrival"
"Titan Hammer"
"Atlantean Deathmarch"
"Siberian Overthrow"
"Sublimation Of Resistance"
"Spannungsfelder"
"The Sentinel"
"Mechanized Annihilator"


"Titan Hammer":

Wymer Publishing will release Jerry Bloom's Rainbow: A Visual Biography on April 14. Pre-order here and get your name in the book on a dedicated fan page.





Description: From 1975, through the eighties, re-activated in the nineties and a slight return in 2016-18, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow took its fans on numerous journeys from the grandiose beginnings with Ronnie James Dio to the chart busting times with Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner. And again in the nineties with Doogie White as lead vocalist, and finally stepping out for the last time in the twenty-first century for a handful of shows allowing a new generation of fans to have the opportunity of hearing Rainbow live on stage.




In this hefty tome Jerry Bloom charts Rainbow’s full career with great detail and information, along with a huge raft of superb imagery that covers the entire career. Bloom documents the band’s history in a comprehensive timeline, that covers every facet of Rainbow from every angle. Aside from band photos, the visual element is enhanced with rare memorabilia and artifacts.