In a new interview with Jorge Botas of Portugal's Metal Global, Marko Hietala was asked if he has any regrets about leaving NIGHTWISH four years ago. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "Of course. I was regretting it already when I was leaving. But it was not just NIGHTWISH. I've said this quite a few times, that I actually left everything. My trouble with depression and anxiety was constant. It just wouldn't go away and had gotten worse and worse and worse during the years. And I grit my teeth and held on until I felt that — yeah, it was when COVID was over, started to be over, and they said that, 'Okay, we got these plans for the spring and then these plans for touring' and all that. And then I kind of realized, 'I don't want to go. I'm feeling too bad. And if I go on the road, it's just gonna be a stress. I'm gonna be alone."

He continued: "Everybody's got their own survival methods [when it comes to being on tour] — they've gotta have them and all that — so I figured, 'I cannot do it.' And at the same time, I was also already looking kind of vaguely if there would be a place where I could escape to some winter months because the darkness was making the depression and anxiety worse and all that. And then I kind of realized that 'I wanna leave everything, all the responsibilities, everything. I need to find out what's wrong with me.' So I kind of came just to Spain to get away from everything, everyone I know, except for the wife and the dog. And then I was talking to psychiatrists here in Spain, there in Finland, through video and all that. And then one of them just suggested that 'you might have ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder].' I'm, like, 'How the fuck does it relate to depression and anxiety?' 'Well, it does. Read about it.' And I did. Yep. And it's that feeling of difference that you do not match the other people's capabilities of handling their daily tasks or whatever. And I was just always lost — everything was a mess and all that. And what do you know? There it is — the ADHD. And it makes you, as a social creature, a tribal creature, that kind of a thing, the social isolation, it's a slow way to death. We know that loneliness is a killer. Well, yeah, but I kind of learned to deal with it ever since I was a kid. But it doesn't really make it necessarily easier. It had its consequences. And I was like that: 'Nothing I ever do will make anything any better. Everything is grey and worthless. And I am too.' That was the thing that had been growing on me. So, when this ADHD thing came up, then I read about it, went to the neuropsychological test and all that, and yep, I got it.

Marko went on to say that he is feeling much better now. "Yeah, because now I know," he explained. "It's a relief to know that there are things in your history and in yourself that you just cannot help. That's what you are. So a lot of kind of guilt about things that were left undone or unsaid or went went straight to hell from the things you did and said, suddenly you find out that, okay, actually, no matter how much you wish you would have acted differently, you couldn't, with the knowledge you had that time… And you can forgive yourself for the shit. And then again, you can also forgive quite a lot of other people for not understanding. So, yeah, it's a relief. You get a load off your chest."

Hietala announced his departure from NIGHTWISH in January 2021, explaining in a statement that he hadn't "been able to feel validated by this life for a quite a few years now." He has since been replaced by bassist Jukka Koskinen (WINTERSUN),who made his live debut with NIGHTWISH in May 2021 at the band's two interactive experiences.

In a March 2024 interview with Brazil's Ibagenscast, Hietala was asked if he would consider taking part in a reunion of NIGHTWISH's classic lineup, either for a tour or fresh material. He responded: "Hmm, I would consider it. But I think that the organization there would have to be looked very carefully into it and some of it would have to be dismantled. Because the business side and how the people there work, they are one of the big reasons why I left."

He continued: "In all the bands that I've been [in], I found out that I'm probably the most kind of courageous person there is and therefore also I have the inner strength to be the most honest and most fair and the one who upholds the justice between the people and taking care of everyone most. And that is something that I saw, the last years, were lacking. So, these kind of things would have to be taken care of. But I mean, [NIGHTWISH] was a big part of my life and I always, always backed up the music that we did because I love to do music that is versatile and ambitious with a lot of all kinds of atmospheres of all the world, from sensitive and soft into the big and pounding metal and all that. So, musically, I have no regrets at all. I'm happy and proud to have been a part of it. But, yeah, the organizational situation and the attitudes and who talks to whom and about what, those are things that I would totally dismantle and make into a transparent situation."

In an August 2022 interview with Finland's Chaoszine, Hietala revealed that he went through a dark period in his life, which included depression, insomnia, anxiety and an ADHD diagnosis. Speaking about how he eventually came to the realization that exiting NIGHTWISH was the right thing to do, Marko said: "It was a long process. Of course, the COVID year that was there, where I had a lot of time for soul searching, it obviously gave me the last incentive that I need something else, that if I just continue with this I'm just gonna get sicker and sicker. But, of course, it's a process.

"I've been chronic depressive since 2010 [or] 2011, so I've been on a permanent medication ever since," he revealed. "Sometimes you get used to the meds [and] you will need more. We did raise [the dosage] during the years also, but it just didn't work. And now that I started to do… I had psychotherapy for over four years now, and then I also talked to psychiatrists and some doctors and did that also in Spain. Then my psychiatrist here in Finland said that I should do these ADHD neuropsychological tests, which I then did in Spain. And, okay, I got it."

Hietala reiterated that he "had been thinking about" leaving NIGHTWISH "for a while" before making the final decision. "Because I had a lot of weight. And I tend to… With the attention disorder, it tells me that when there are lots of trouble, then the disorder makes it into a real chaos," he explained. "There's a shitload of stuff coming and going and no peace anywhere. And for a year or two, I was already waking up every night at three o'clock to bad dreams and anxiety. So I'd say that the whole process probably started already with my former divorce [in 2016]. That was a very sad time when you think about your kids and your broken homes and all that. And then, when I started to get clear from that, then there were, well, all kinds of things. I don't really wanna go any deeper to what kind of things I'd gone through, but I'd gone through enough."

Acknowledging that making NIGHTWISH's 2020 studio album, "Human. :II: Nature.", was a "difficult" experience for him, Marko denied that his mental state at the time resulted in a diminished role for him on the final LP. "I think the original idea was to have that… we'll do a couple of [solo vocal appearances], or one solo for me and Troy [Donockley], and the rest Floor [Jansen], and then the harmonies; that was the idea originally for that," he said. "So I don't know if it affected. I think it was sort of as planned. But at that time I already had serious trouble with concentrating and serious trouble with a constant black cloud over my head."

In July 2022, Hietala told Finland's Iltalehti that he had not kept in touch with NIGHTWISH since his departure or followed the activities of his former band.

In May 2021, NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen said that Hietala's decision to leave NIGHTWISH "came as a bit of a surprise." He told Finland's Kaaos TV: "Marko informed us in December [of 2020 that he was leaving the band]. And even though he has been very open about his state and problems during the past years, it still came as a bit of a surprise for us. So it was a really tough pill to swallow. And for a few days, I was actually quite confident that there's no coming back, that this is it. I remember talking to Emppu [Vuorinen], the guitar player, and we were, like, 'You think this is it?' 'Yeah, I think this is it.' I mean, enough is enough. So much has happened in the past. Something that broke the camel's back, as they say. Then, after some time had passed — a few days — we started to think that it's been such a ride of 25 years, with so many ups also, that this is not the way to end it."

Tuomas elaborated on NIGHTWISH's reasons for carrying on, saying: "I think we still have something to give, and that's the main point. The music is still there. We felt that there's still so much music that needs to come out from this band that, 'Okay, let's give it one more shot.' And then finding the new bass player was really easy."

He added: "It's not like we do this just because we need to do it and there's nothing else to do. On a personal level, I feel that there's still so many stories and melodies that I want to share with the world with one lineup or another, so that's why you want to continue and keep on going.

"I've said this a million times, that a lineup change is the ultimate energy vampire, and that's how it really felt and still feels."

In June 2021, Jansen spoke about Hietala's exit from the band in an episode of her "Storytime" YouTube video series. She said: "That was a very sudden surprise that, of course, was not fun at all. But we understand — I understand — it was a necessary thing for him to do. And from there, we had to think of how to continue without him, and that also, in preparations towards the virtual show, that was a huge challenge."

In December 2020, Hietala was crowned the winner of the fall 2020 season of "Masked Singer Suomi" — the Finnish edition of the popular masked singing contest. He was disguised as Tohtori — the Doctor.

Marko's new solo album, "Roses From The Deep", will be released on February 7, 2025, via Nuclear Blast.

Photo credit: Mika Toivanen (courtesy of Nuclear Blast)

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has completed pre-production for its long-awaited follow-up to 2018's "No Cross No Crown" album.

Earlier today (Sunday, January 19),CORROSION OF CONFORMITY bassist Bobby Landgraf took to his Instagram to share a short video from the studio and he included the following caption: "COC Pre Production finished in Gold Rica!!"

In the video, Bobby said: "We are here in Gold Rica in Central America. C.O.C., pre-production going on. There's [guitarist/vocalist] Pepper Keenan. Just caught some tasty waves out there. Warren Riker here on the mix. Here's your host, Bobby, right here. What's going on, everybody? [Drummer] Stanton Moore back in the corner… Got [guitarist] Woodroe's [Woody Weatherman] rig right here. That bass rig right here. Stanton's fat-ass Gretsch right here. And Pepper Keenan's corner right here. Tones are kickin', the record's slamming. We're really proud of what we did. It's been a hell of a week, y'all. Boom."

Last October, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY recruited onetime DOWN guitarist and current PANTERA bass tech Landgraf to play bass for the band on the 2024 edition of the Headbangers Boat cruise.

In September 2024, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's founding bassist Mike Dean announced his departure from the band.

Dean revealed his decision to leave CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in a statement posted on social media. He wrote: "Recently I made a decision to step away from CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, a band started 40-odd years ago by Reed Mullin, Woody Weatherman, and myself.

"I'm extremely proud of everything we've done together, and look forward to hearing more from the band going forward.

"When I rejoined COC for the finishing touches of the 'Deliverance' album, I moved back to Raleigh, NC for an all-in creative campaign, but time, distance and side projects and life in general has changed all of that.

"Ever since Reed drifted away from the band and then passed away, it's been difficult for me to collaborate on new material with bandmates who live hundreds of miles away.

"I look forward to putting together a new Raleigh-based outlet to create new music with more alacrity and with more of an emphasis on my own ideas than in recent times. Also, I look forward to continuing to record and produce other artists.

"All the best to Woodroe, Pepper, and COC crew, and most importantly, many big thanks to the fans of all iterations of the band, who have made this real for all of these years. Salute!"

The remaining members of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY — Keenan and Weatherman — added in a separate statement: "We, Woodroe and Pepper, are in full support of Dean's future endeavors and wish him all the best in the quest. Thankful for the music made and (R)evolutionary paths created. That being said, this book of CORROSION is not finished, nor will the train stop.

"The opportunity to play music and create is something that we don't take lightly, and we will not waver. New COC recording is well underway and will be released in 2025.

"Much love and respect to all the free thinkin' beer drinkin' friends and fans worldwide, looking to making more. Without you, we are just growing deaf in a garage."

Two years ago, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY confirmed the return of Moore for its upcoming album.

Mullin died in January 2020 at the age of 53. The drummer, who co-founded CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in 1982 as a hardcore punk act alongside Weatherman and Dean, had missed a number of shows in the preceding four years due to a variety of health issues, including an alcohol-related seizure he suffered back in June 2016.

In 2014, after nearly a straight decade traversing the globe as a guitarist with New Orleans supergroup DOWN, Pepper reconnected with the core CORROSION OF CONFORMITY trio of Weatherman, Dean and Mullin to hit the road hard. "Reed called me and mentioned maybe playing a couple shows," Keenan recalled back in 2017. "I said, 'Let's just go to Europe and see if it works.' So we went to Europe and then ended up going back four times in one year... We toured for a year and then started tracking."

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY recorded "No Cross No Crown" in about forty days over the course of a year at a North Carolina studio with longtime producer John Custer.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tracii Guns ⨁ (@traciiguns)

L.A. GUNS' new album, "Leopard Skin", will be released on April 4, 2025. It will mark the first fruit of L.A. GUNS' reunion with Cleopatra Records, a label known for its diverse roster and innovative approach to music production.

In support of the LP, L.A. GUNS will be touring heavily this year.

The band states: "Come and join us on The Lucky MF'r Tour!!!"

Last July, L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns told On The Road To Rock podcast with Clint Switzer about the sound of the band's new LP: "It's different than the other records. That's the thing about L.A. GUNS, is I never know what's gonna come out. I don't know what mood I'm gonna be in or whatever, but I'm really proud of what I was able to record. And all the management and Phil [Lewis, L.A. GUNS singer] and the guys, they're freaking out, like, 'Where'd this shit come from?' So, yeah, I'm always most excited about L.A. GUNS. It's the complete playground for me. I love it."

L.A. GUNS' latest studio album, "Black Diamonds", came out in April 2023. It was the fourth studio album since the much-welcome reunion of the band's core foundation of Lewis and Guns. It followed the well-received studio albums "The Missing Peace", "The Devil You Know" and "Checkered Past", plus the live release "Made In Milan", and a covers EP "Another Xmas In Hell".

In April 2021, a settlement was reached between drummer Steve Riley and Guns and Lewis over the rights to the L.A. GUNS name. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Guns and Lewis continue to operate under the L.A. GUNS trademark, while Riley and his bandmates from the other version of L.A. GUNS were allowed to perform and record under the new name RILEY'S L.A. GUNS. Riley died in October 2023 at the age of 67.

L.A. GUNS was formed in 1983 and have sold over six million records, including 1988's "L.A. Guns" and 1990's "Cocked And Loaded", both of which were certified gold. "Cocked And Loaded" contained the hit single "The Ballad Of Jayne" that went to No. 33 on Billboard's Hot 100 and No. 25 on the Mainstream Rock charts. From the mid-'90s to the mid 2000s, L.A. GUNS continued to tour and release new music. Following their successful performance at SiriusXM's Hair Nation festival in September 2016, L.A. GUNS went into the studio to record the critically acclaimed "The Missing Peace", which was the highest-selling release for Frontiers Music Srl in 2017. Their 12th album, "The Devil You Know", was released in 2019 to the same critical acclaim. Since reuniting, Tracii and Phil continue to tour around the world with L.A. GUNS, which currently includes Johnny Martin (bass) and Ace Von Johnson (guitar).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tracii Guns ⨁ (@traciiguns)

In a new interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station, RAVEN frontman John Gallagher talked about METALLICA opening for his band back in 1983 and 1984. The trek marked METALLICA's first-ever tour. Asked what his thoughts were about METALLICA at the time, John said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, they were good. They were energetic. They were like a gang, which is always appealing 'cause we were, obviously, like a gang. It wasn't the mentality of a one guy starting a band and putting adverts out and having a bunch of mercenaries come in. There was none of that. They were a gang. But as far as, 'Do you see them in — whatever — 10 years being the greatest thing since sliced bread?' It's, like, no, not a chance. And to be fair, the band that you could have said that with was at least a good year away because they really changed on the second record. It showed some maturity and breadth and the ability to do different things other than just [playing fast] all the way through. So, they sat, they learned and they soaked it all in and they did a whole bunch of stuff."

John continued: "They said to us on the tour, 'We love your 'All For One' album because you've broadened your sound without compromising who you are.' I was, like, 'Oh, well, I guess we did. Okay.' So they did kind of the same thing. They stretched out and did 'Fade To Black', which was, like, 'This is really cool. This is different.' Some slower-paced songs — still fast stuff, but mixed it up a bit."

He added: "We had a long conversation with James [Hetfield, METALLICA frontman] a couple of years ago up at METALLICA HQ [in Northern California]; we visited there. And [he was] very humble and very, 'I don't know how this all happened, but we're very grateful and humbled that it did. And we're gonna continue to do the best we can.' You can't ask for more than that."

Gallagher also spoke about what it was like for RAVEN to open for METALLICA at a November 2022 concert at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida celebrating the life, legacy, and achievements of Megaforce Records founder Jon "Jonny Z" Zazula and his wife Marsha Zazula. He said: "Yeah, that was really cool. That was for a good purpose because Jon and Marsha Zazula, who managed them and managed us, made a huge difference in both our careers. Absolutely. And it was good to recognize and celebrate that. And they were so good… And we got to hang out for a long time and talk. And it's really surprising about the level that they're at and the things they've went through that it's the same guys. That's pretty cool."

Considered part of the "New Wave Of British Heavy Metal" movement of the early '80s, RAVEN is perhaps best remembered for its trailblazing tours in America in the early '80s that gave groups like METALLICA and ANTHRAX their first taste of the road.

RAVEN's classic albums "Rock Until You Drop", "Wiped Out" and "All For One" virtually invented both the speed metal and power metal genres, with the band consistently pushing the envelope while retaining its unique sound and attack — both in the studio and in their true element: onstage.

In a 2005 post on RAVEN's official message board, John stated about RAVEN's influence on other pioneering metal bands: "Anyone ever listen to the middle of 'Aces High' by IRON MAIDEN and compare it to part of 'Faster Than The Speed Of Light' [by RAVEN]? How about the chorus riff of METALLICA's 'No Remorse' to [RAVEN's] 'Lambs To The Slaughter'?? Makes me laugh...!"

RAVEN's new EP, "Can't Take Away The Fire", is due out February 14 via Silver Lining Music.

SNOT has recruited Andy Knapp of fellow Southern California band STRONGER THAN MACHINES to front the reunited group for all of its 2025 shows and beyond.

Knapp made his live debut with SNOT Friday night (January 17) at the Parish room at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California. The performance was livestreamed via the band's Instagram and can now be viewed below.

SNOT's current lineup also includes guitarists Mikey Doling and Sonny Mayo, bassist John "Tumor" Fahnestock and drummer Jamie Miller.

The setlist for the Anaheim concert was as follows, according to Setlist.fm:

01. Snot
02. Stoopid
03. Joy Ride
04. The Box
05. Snooze Button
06. 313
07. Get Some
08. Deadfall
09. I Jus' Lie
10. Get Some O' Deez
11. Unplugged
12. Tecato
13. Mr. Brett (with Aimee Echo)
14. Get Some Keez (featuring Anton Pukshansky, the engineer from "Get Some", on keys)
15. My Balls
16. Starlit Eyes (live debut)
17. Absent

SNOT is scheduled to play five club shows in January, February and April 2025, leading up to the band's appearance at the Welcome To Rockville festival in May 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. SNOT will also play at select European festivals, as well as at the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival in Mansfield, Ohio, this summer.

Earlier this month, Doling took to social media to share a video message in which he once again explained the reason for the band's decision to not reveal the identity of its new singer prior to the Anaheim show. Mikey said:  "I'm so fucking excited to get out there and start playing again with my brothers, the original lineup of SNOT, with our new singer, of course, who y'all will know who he is after the January 17th show at the Anaheim House Of Blues Parish room.

"I wanted to let y'all know the reason that we haven't let you know who the singer is, is strictly because social media can be brutal and they would just go right to his — I don't know; his Facebook, Instagram or whatnot — and start scrutinizing him before he even got on stage with SNOT.

"I'll tell you this: he's no one you know, he's not some big famous rock star or vocalist, because that's what I'm hearing a lot of people are thinking. They're thinking that's the reason we're keeping it a secret. It's not. We found a guy who's extremely talented, extremely cool people, and he just does it right. He's incredible. I am very confident that y'all will be very happy once you see what he does with SNOT."

Upcoming SNOT shows:

Jan. 18 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick (with ADEMA, SICKSENSE)
Feb. 08 - Santa Barbara, CA - SOhO (with SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET, PETMEDZ)
April 25 - Denver, CO - HQ
April 26 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep
May 18 - Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome To Rockville
July 18 - Flint, MI – The Machine Shop (with THE UNION UNDERGROUND)
July 19-20 - Mansfield, OH - Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival
Aug 8-10 - Kortrijk, Belgium - Alcatraz
Aug. 14-17 - Carhaix, France – Motocultor

Asked in a recent interview with The Kevin Powell Podcast how SNOT plans to announce its new vocalist, Doling said: "Let him come on stage. That's it. And figure out who he is on your own. If he says his name, great. But the last thing I wanna do is go on the Internet and put his name out there, and then people go to his social media and whatnot and start scrutinizing him before he even gets on stage. Because that's what will happen. I mean, you're living in the shadow of the great Lynn Strait [SNOT's late vocalist]. So it's gonna be a rough road for him. He's gotta prove himself on stage first. And, we're giving him that comfort. 'Cause like I said, if I said his name right now, we'd have a lot of people just going right to his social media.

"But he's awesome," Doling continued. "Let me just say when he sent me his audition reels, tapes, recordings, I was blown away like I've never been blown away since [the demise of the original SNOT lineup]. And I sent it to Tumor first thing, my right arm, my bass player from SNOT. He usually doesn't like anything. He's very cynical. He's the greatest guy ever, he's my brother, but he's a cynical person at times. And he called me right away and just said, 'Holy shit balls.' That's a quote. 'Where'd you find this guy? We found our dude. We found him.' And that's how it went down. Then, of course, I sent it to Jamie and Sonny, and they both agreed he's the guy. And here he is. We got him."

SNOT disbanded in 1998 following Strait's death, putting an end to a career that generated considerable promise but only one studio album, "Get Some". The band had been writing material for its sophomore CD and had completed 10 songs at the time of Strait's tragic passing. As a memorial to Strait, SNOT eventually decided to release those tracks, with lyrics and guest vocals provided by a host of stars from the alt-metal community. The resulting album, "Strait Up", was a fitting tribute from Strait's peers and friends, featuring members of LIMP BIZKIT, KORN, SLIPKNOT, SEVENDUST, (HED) P.E., COAL CHAMBER, SUGAR RAY, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, SOULFLY, and more.

SNOT in 2014 recruited Carl Bensley (VITIATE, CONSUME THE FIRE) to sing for the band following the departure of Tommy "Vext" Cummings (ex-DIVINE HERESY, BAD WOLVES).

Reflecting on SNOT's original split and 2014 comeback, Doling told The Kevin Powell Podcast: "Un-fucking-fortunately, our singer Lynn Strait, the great, mighty Lynn Strait, who I miss and love so much, he passed away in a car accident and it put a halt to SNOT. We just couldn't go on without him at that point. And so we stopped for many years. And then we kind of got back together with some friends, and it wasn't real serious — [we] just [played] some shows. I don't really wanna say their names right now, but they're cool people and they helped us out."

As for how SNOT's latest reunion is different from the band's 2014 comeback, Doling said: "This one, it's serious. We're back-back. We got the booking agency. We got high-level shows and festivals. This is the real deal for us. We're back right now. And, yeah, that's where we are right now. And we're hungry to do it again. I'm very excited about it."

Doling previously discussed SNOT's reunion during an appearance on an episode of the "Talk Toomey" podcast. Regarding how the band's comeback happened, Mikey said: "Well, let's see. About a year ago, I was seeing the festivals that were coming in 2024, and I was noticing there were so many bands out there from our genre. You have the COAL CHAMBERs, the MUDVAYNEs and just so many bands out there killing it. And I'm sitting there thinking, 'Man, SNOT, it's time that we get on board with this.' So I talked to the dudes. We didn't even have a singer at that point. So anyway, so I reached out to the band and said, 'Hey, man, I think we should find a singer and play some festivals and have some fun.' And they were, like, 'Yeah, well, we're in if you can find us the right singer.' So, I looked around for a while. I had no luck. But I kept looking. And then I reached out to Alex Gilbert over at TKO — it's our booking agency — and I asked him, I said, 'Hey, man, I'm currently looking for a vocalist. And if I put all this work into putting SNOT back together, would you be interested in booking some shows and festivals for us?' And he said, 'I'll put the feelers out there and let's see how it goes.' So, a year went by. I didn't hear anything back. I kind of thought, 'All right. No interest.' So about three months ago, Alex called me. So I'm looking at my phone, like, 'Whoa, it's Alex from TKO.' I answered and I asked him how he's doing. And he said, 'Hey, man, I'm getting a lot of interest for SNOT. It's a lot. Everybody I talk to wants the band.' So I told him, 'Look, man, we're into it.' I didn't even let him know we didn't have a singer yet at that point. And I said, 'Let me get back to you. I'll talk to the guys.' So I instantly jumped on social media for a little something about looking for a vocalist for SNOT. And I got a lot of response. I got, like, eight videos and audio of dudes who just didn't fit. What they did is they would sing with the album, 'Get Some', and it just didn't fit. So I almost kind of gave up. And so right there at the end, before I threw the towel in on the whole thing, a friend of mine from Santa Barbara hit me up, texted me and said, 'Hey, I found the guy for SNOT.' And, I was, like, 'Yeah, sure,' in my mind thinking, 'Yeah, yeah. Right. Right.' So I jumped on the phone with him — let's say it's a girl, with her — and she said, 'I saw a guy. He has a band. And he reminded me of Lynn. It was goosebumps,' she said. And I said, 'Cool.' And Lynn is one of his favorite all-time singers. So, she put me in contact with him. And, again, I asked him, I said, 'Look, we're looking for a singer. Do me a favor. Set up a camera, microphone and sing along to 'Get Some', our album. And so about three or four days go by and then I get some videos on my phone. So I'm watching the video, and immediately it just punched me in the face how good it was. I was, like, 'Wow, this is the guy.' What he did is he set up in front of his — he has a little rehearsal spot, drums and amps, and he put 'Get Some' through his P.A. system and he wrapped the cable from the microphone around his arm and laid into it as if he was doing a show. He did, like, five songs and he was absolutely incredible, nailing it. He looks right. He's got the whole punk vibe that we're looking for. And he just nailed it, man.

"Singing like Lynn Strait is not easy, man. And he absolutely fucking rocked it, to the point where I had to sit down; I was so blown away. And so I immediately contacted Tumor, John Fahnestock, bass player for SNOT. And Tumor, [he is the] best guy in the world, but [he] hates everything. I sent it to him, and he called me right away. He was, like, 'Dude, holy shit. You found our guy.' That was the first thing he said. 'Who is it? Is this real?' I was, like, 'It's real.' So then I sent it out to the rest of the guys, Jamie and Sonny, and, and yeah, boom, it's there."

Doling added: "So, I talked to the [singer] guy, which I'm not gonna give up his name yet. I'm gonna keep that on the DL [down low] right now for a while until we start doing some shows. People can figure it out on their own. I don't want them knowing too much yet. I wanna keep it tight for now. But anyway. So then I contacted Alex at TKO and he started talking to promoters and we're just getting 'yes', 'yes', 'yes' all over the place right now. And we're gonna start doing some shows, man."

According to the Los Angeles Times, Lynn died in died in a car accident in December 1998 as he attempted to drive across Highway 101 in Mussel Shoals, California. The 30-year-old singer died instantly after his 1992 Ford Tempo was broadsided by a southbound full-size pickup truck about noon. Also killed was Strait's small bulldog, SNOT's mascot Dobbs, who adorned the cover of the band's debut album, the 1997 Geffen Records release "Get Some". Strait, a Santa Barbara resident, was crossing the highway after visiting his girlfriend in the community. Lynn apparently pulled into the path of the truck, which was going about 65 mph. The impact sent Strait's car spinning into the center divider where it stopped, a California Highway Patrol officer told the Los Angeles Times at the time.

SNOT's most recent U.S. tour, during which the band performed "Get Some" in its entirety, kicked off in late November 2014 in Palm Desert, California and wrapped in late December 2014 in Pomona, California.

Cummings fronted SNOT in 2008-2009 before he and Mayo exited the group amid "strained relationships."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SNOT (R.I.P Lynn Strait) (@snotband)

Concord Records has announced the release of "Livin' It Up Down In Texas", a new track by Billy F Gibbons that was previewed earlier this month in an episode of the hit Paramount+ series "Landman" created by Taylor Sheridan.

The single was written by the ZZ TOP founder and frontman along with "Landman" stars Billy Bob Thornton (Tommy Norris) and Mark Collie (Sherriff Walt Joeberg). Its release coincides with the start of a solo tour by Gibbons and his band THE BFG that includes Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Chris "Whipper" Layton and Austin music stalwart Mike "The Drifter" Flanigin.

"Livin' It up Down In Texas", as heard on the "Landman" episode titled "WolfCamp", was produced by Gibbons at Level14 Studios in Nashville. It is anticipated that the recording will be part of a forthcoming release that will be Gibbons's fourth full-length for the label. His alliance with Concord previously yielded the critically lauded "Perfectamundo" (2015),"The Big Bad Blues" (2018) and "Hardware" (2021).

Gibbons states about "Livin' It up Down In Texas": "A hard-hitting, hard rock bombast of sonic Texas soulfulness!"

Billy F Gibbons and Billy Bob Thornton have been friends for many years. The latter, an Academy Award and Golden Globes winner, had decades ago been a member of TRES HOMBRES, a ZZ TOP tribute band for which he played drums. Billy Gibbons cited them as "the best little cover band in Texas." Thornton co-founded THE BOXMASTERS in 2007 and toured with them as recently as this past fall. Mark Collie, likewise, has pursued a career in music with numerous country chart recordings to his credit as well as his having written songs for Aaron Tippin, ALABAMA, Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw, among others. He's also recorded with Thornton and THE BOXMASTERS.

Says Gibbons, "It seemed really natural to team up with Billy Bob and Mark to write a song for 'Landman'. 'Livin' It Up Down In Texas' isn't, per se, autobiographical, but does encapsulate the oil-stained Lone Star lifestyle as seen each week in the series."

Billy F Gibbons/BFG tour dates:

Jan. 17-20 - Blue Note Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Jan. 21-24 - Blue Note Napa - Napa, CA
Jan. 25 - Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City - Cathedral City, CA
Jan. 26 - Musical Instrument Museum - Phoenix, AZ
Jan. 28 - Vilar Performing Arts Center - Beaver Creek, CO
Jan. 31 - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO
Feb. 01 - Park West - Chicago, IL
Feb. 02 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH
Feb. 04 - Jergel's Rhythm Grille - Warrendale, PA
Feb. 06 - Kentucky Theatre - Lexington, KY
Feb. 07 - The Paramount Theater - Charlottesville, VA
Feb. 08 - Borgata Theater - Atlantic City, NJ
Feb. 10 - The Bardavon 1869 Opera House - Poughkeepsie, NY
Feb. 12 - The Music Hall - Portsmouth, NH
Feb. 13 - The Cabot - Beverly, MA
Feb. 14 - Ridgefield Playhouse - Ridgefield, CT
Feb. 15 - Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center - Great Barrington, MA
Feb. 17 - City Winery - New York City, NY
Feb. 18 - City Winery - New York City, NY
Feb. 19 - The Birchmere - Alexandria, VA
Feb. 20 - Paramount Bristol - Bristol, TN

SCOUR, the extreme metal collective featuring an impressive lineup of heavy music veterans, including Philip H. Anselmo (PANTERA, DOWN),Derek Engemann (PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS),John Jarvis (NEST, AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED),Mark Kloeppel (MISERY INDEX) and Adam Jarvis (PIG DESTROYER, MISERY INDEX, LOCK UP),has released a music video for its latest single, "Blades". The track is taken from SCOUR's long-awaited full-length album, "Gold", which will arrive on February 21, 2025 via Housecore Records in North America and Nuclear Blast in Europe.

Deepening the experience set forth on SCOUR's previously released EP trilogy, "Gold" pulls the listener through a blistering vortex of speed, aggression, and, above all, absolute horror. Drawing from a deep framework of literary horror masterworks, "Gold" guides the listener beyond the realm of death and through the metaphysical anomalies of a disheveled and decaying mind. In-so-which the pall of a savage universe is lifted, an inconceivable puppet master revealed, the remaining self of the listener excruciatingly dissolved, and left asking, "who is it that pulls the strings?"

Musically, SCOUR fuses the raw aggression of black metal with grindcore, punk, and thrash influences, manifesting a sound that honors extreme metal's roots while pushing it into modern territory. Their minimalist approach is relentless and brutal, perfectly embodying this vision.

Of "Gold"'s first single, "Infusorium", released in November, Revolver gushed, "It's an absolutely face-melting blast packed with elements of black metal, grindcore, punk, and thrash, all topped by Anselmo's throat-shredding death roar." Metal Injection concurred, writing, "holy shit, Anselmo sounds nothing short of demonic on this thing."

The video for "Blades", which was shot by Malcolm Pugh, includes footage from Anselmo's annual Housecore Home Haunt 2024 as well as SCOUR's most recent live show at Southport Hall in New Orleans.

Engemann comments: "SCOUR comes in hot with our second offering from the 'Gold' LP, 'Blades' — a fierce, ripping, 'unholy grilling of spirits!'

"From the very beginning of the 'Gold' writing sessions, 'Blades' stood out with its unrelenting, grinding riffage — a natural choice for track 2, keeping the album's blistering energy alive.

"The accompanying music video amplifies the intensity, filmed at none other than Philip Anselmo's private home Haunt. Shot during the Halloween season, the grotesque and gothic atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for this 'tower of gore.' The video is topped off with spliced footage from our recent live show at the Southport Hall in New Orleans. Filmed and directed by the talented Malcolm Pugh, 'Blades' is a blood-soaked anthem that demands to be blasted at maximum volume."

"Gold", which features cover art by Cain Gillis, will be available on CD, LP, limited edition cassette (U.S. only),and digital formats.

"Gold" track listing:

01. Cross
02. Blades
03. Infusorium
04. Ornaments
05. Coin
06. Evil
07. Devil
08. Contaminated
09. Hell
10. Invoke
11. Gold
12. Angels
13. Serve

Forged in 2015, SCOUR quickly made their mark with the blistering debut single "Dispatched". Their first release, "The Grey EP" (2016),came via Anselmo's own Housecore Records, followed by "The Red EP" in 2017. In 2020, SCOUR unleashed their most aggressive effort yet, "The Black EP", released under Housecore and Nuclear Blast Records and featuring guest appearances from notable figures like Erik Rutan, Pat O'Brien and actor Jason Momoa.

And now SCOUR elevates their intensity with the announcement of their first full-length album, "Gold", which includes a guest solo by Gary Holt (SLAYER, EXODUS). Recording for "Gold" began in February 2023 at Nodferatu's Lair — Philip Anselmo's personal studio and rehearsal space — which saw the band highly engaged in a concentrated effort toward a truly diabolical composition, with Anselmo leading the charge at every turn. One would often find the entire band in the control room in ecstatic debate, meticulously mulling over every blast beat and divebomb. The album was intermittently refined, and lyrical concepts finalized, over the course of 2023 as touring schedules would allow.

Anselmo began vocal recordings in the fall of 2023 at The Lair. Backup vocal recordings were then executed by the rest of the band in arena backstage rooms over the course of PANTERA's February 2024 tour, where the full band would also thoroughly review the instrumentation mixes. Once the tracks were finalized by SCOUR and mixing engineer Dennis Israel, they were then passed to Fascination Street Studio in Örebro, Sweden for mastering by Jens Bogren.

Despite their relatively short career, SCOUR has performed at some of the world's most prominent festivals, including Roskilde, Hellfest, Tecate Metal Fest and Maryland Deathfest. With such a powerful pedigree, SCOUR remains a dominant force in both live performances and studio recordings, and fans can expect even more from them in the future.

Photo by Malcolm Pugh

In a recent interview with Matt Pinfield of 95.5 KLOS's "New & Approved" show, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill was asked how he felt when he first Rob Halford sing in 1973 before the vocalist joined the band as the replacement for Al Atkins. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Ken [ex-JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Kenneth 'K.K.' Downing] and myself, we just thought we'd try him out. As soon as we did, we knew that he was something special. He's got a tremendous range — I think he's three octaves, something like that, he's got a range, which was unbelievable at the time. And, of course, he was from the same part of the world as we were, so he's got that same grittiness, that same sort of outlook as the rest of us had had. And he was into the similar bands that we were — he was also a [Jimi] Hendrix fan, CREAM, he was into all of that kind of stuff; [David] Bowie, of course. And he fit right in. And he's a great bloke as well. I mean, he's so easy to get along with. And that was it. And then Glenn [Tipton, PRIEST guitarist] comes along and you form a friendship. I mean, it's formed when you're doing things like you go to Norway in the van in February, and you're sleeping in the back of the van. You put your gear in the van and put the mattresses on the top, you do the show and then sleep in the car park in freezing cold weather. That's what you did. And you form a bond through doing things like that. And we'll always be great friends — we always will, till our dying day. Regardless of if we're on different sides of an ocean, we're still tremendous friends and we always will be."

Last fall, Halford spoke to Heavy Consequence about JUDAS PRIEST's plans celebrate the 35th anniversary of its classic album "Painkiller" extensively live with the "Shield Of Pain" tour in 2025. This "rare" and "unique set" will include "beloved classics" and "will be defending the metal faith in a truly memorable experience throughout Europe" next summer, according to a social media post from PRIEST.

Halford said: "It's still in the works, but we're gonna go and show ['Painkiller'] off. Not in its entirety. I haven't figured out yet whether we're just gonna do a clump of 'Painkiller' songs — this is the 'Painkiller' section — or we're gonna go, a 'Painkiller' song, a couple of others, a 'Painkiller' song, a couple of others. It's all in theory in my mind at the moment, but, however, I think it's gonna be a real thrill and a treat. And, again, a once-in-a-lifetime thing for the band. You'll only see the show once. You'll only see the 'Shield Of Pain' show once. So, we hope our fans will be on the rail and banging their heads to it."

The singer also reflected on PRIEST's mindset while going into the recording process for "Painkiller". He said: "The importance was we had to really go into a huddle and say, 'We really need to show off what this band's true heart and soul and spirit is about.' And I'm using that in reference to some of the previous albums and some of the previous songs. Our attitude was, 'We're gonna make the hardest, heaviest, strongest, most energized metal album we've ever done,' and we did that — we achieved it. It's full-on. It only pulls back a little bit for 'A Touch Of Evil'. The rest of it is just non-stop, non-stop, non-stop. We did it in Miraval Studios in the south of France. It was very isolated, so, unlike Ibiza [where 'Screaming For Vengeance' and 'Defenders Of The Faith', among others, were recorded], where we were going into the clubs every night, it was very, very isolated, so we really got into the work in a very, very strong way with no interference. And so the exercise of achieving all of the components to make that album as strong as we wanted it to be was a success. And, again, a band will tell you we've done everything we can. Let's see what happens. The world embraced that album."

He continued: "It's a beloved, revered metal album. A lot of our friends in different bands will say, 'If you wanna hear what a metal album is all about, put on 'Painkiller'.' And that's pretty cool. But our fans, as well, recognize that of all of the 19 albums that this band has ever made, 'Painkiller''s still very heavily under the spotlight. And here we are, 35 years next year."

PRIEST's 12th album, "Painkiller" was recorded at Miraval Studios in Brignoles, France, and was mixed at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, the Netherlands. It was the first LP to feature drummer Scott Travis following the departure of Dave Holland.

In a 2023 interview with "The Jeremy White Show", Downing spoke about how the addition of then-new drummer Travis affected PRIEST's sound and songwriting on "Painkiller". He said: "I think with the addition of Scott, because we knew his capabilities from his former band, RACER X, which were a great band… After so many years, having Scott in the band with those double kicks again, it just opened doors for myself and Glenn [Tipton, PRIEST guitarist] to write rhythmically and musically. And we knew that Scott could play anything that we could — as fast as we could play on guitar, we knew he could match us on the kit, which helped a lot, really, because it meant we could expand writing after so many years, really, in respect of the faster side of metal, if you like."

DEF LEPPARD's "Pyromania" became a genuine phenomenon in 1983 when it sold a staggering 10 million copies in the United States alone. Guitarist Phil Collen and bassist Rick Savage spoke to Rock Candy magazine editor Howard Johnson at length about the long and arduous process of making this masterpiece.

"Our producer Mutt Lange said to me, 'Yeah, you're a good rock band. But if you want to be great…" says Collen. LEPPARD spent the best part of the year of 1982 painstakingly crafting the songs for "Pyromania".

"We knew this project was going to be a long haul because we were aiming to expand riff ideas into songs that transcended the metal fraternity," explains Savage.

"I remember someone from the record company asking Mutt why the album was taking so long," recalls Collen. "He said, 'So you'll be talking about it in 40 years' time.' He wasn't wrong."

Over 10 pages, Rock Candy uncovers the full story behind the making of "Pyromania" with a level of detail that will thrill fans of the band and give all readers an unprecedented view of a bona fide rock classic.

"You never really know how well an album is going to do," says Savage. "But I was 100 percent confident we'd made the right record."

You can read the 10-page DEF LEPPARD "Pyromania" feature in issue 44 of Rock Candy, together with the 24-page RUSH cover story and in-depth investigations of KIX, BLACK 'N BLUE, SLAYER, GUN, Megaforce Records and more.

For more details, visit www.rockcandymag.com.

Rock Candy is a 100-page, full-color bi-monthly rock magazine, created in the U.K. It covers the sights, sounds and smells from the greatest era in hard rock music, the '70s and '80s. The brainchild of respected U.K. rock journalists Derek Oliver, Howard Johnson and Malcolm Dome — all frontline writers for the legendary Kerrang! magazine in the golden era.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Pyromania", DEF LEPPARD has released a deluxe expanded edition of the LP.

Originally issued in 1983, "Pyromania" launched DEF LEPPARD into rock legend status. The album featured global hit singles "Photograph", "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)" and "Rock Of Ages" and it went on to achieve platinum status across the globe (including a No. 2 chart entry in the USA). "Pyromania" has since become one of the biggest-selling rock albums of all time and alongside its follow up, "Hysteria", has made DEF LEPPARD one of only five rock bands in history to have two albums with a coveted RIAA diamond certification (over 10 million sales in the USA alone) — a massive feat within the music industry still to this day. The album also saw Collen replace guitarist Pete Willis and the first of the classic DEF LEPPARD lineups was born.

In tribute to this milestone, this deluxe edition has been executive produced by DEF LEPPARD lead singer Joe Elliott and longtime producer/engineer Ronan McHugh, with mastering by Andy Pearce.

This deluxe edition has been prepared in conjunction with Elliott, who has acted as executive producer.

"Pyromania", the anniversary edition, is being released on 4-CD / Blu-ray box, 1LP half speed master, 2LP black vinyl, 2LP colored vinyl (D2C exclusive),2CD and digitally.

This deluxe set comes with four CDs consisting of the original album, a whole disc of unheard demos recently re-discovered by Elliott while combing through the vaults, an unreleased demo, "No You Can't Do That", and two defining live shows from the era — from the Los Angeles Forum (USA) and Westfalen Halle in Dortmund (Germany).

The Blu-ray contains an Atmos mix of the album (overseen by Giles Martin) as well as 5.1 / stereo and instrumental mixes. Also included are five promo videos from the time. The album also appears as a half speed master for the first time.

The book contains the history of the album written by Mojo and Classic Rock writer Paul Elliott (who has conducted new interviews with bandmembers),as well as rare and unseen photos by noted photographer and longtime band collaborator Ross Halfin.

For more information, visit DEF LEPPARD's official webstore.

Photo credit: Ross Halfin

Rock Candy Magazine Issue 44 is out today.

In UK shops and available from: www.rockcandymag.com

Posted by Rock Candy Magazine on Thursday, May 30, 2024

Tom Compagnoni, a video producer at The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia, has published an 11-minute documentary investigating how the childhood home of Angus and Malcolm Young of AC/DC — Australia's greatest cultural export — was demolished by a Sydney property developer.

The video features excerpts from Compagnoni's two previous documentaries on AC/DC's Sydney heritage, including interviews with former band members Mark Evans, Noel Taylor and Rob Bailey, who share their memories of spending time at the Young family's house in Burwood during the 1970s. Burwood mayor John Faker also provides insights into the local connection between AC/DC and Burwood.

Additionally, this documentary uncovers new material shedding light on why 4 Burleigh St wasn't recognized as a historic site of immense cultural significance. This includes details from a 2015 heritage report, commissioned by Burwood Council, which recommended placing a plaque outside the house — a step that was never taken.

According to the Herald Sun, the home was bulldozed after it was purchased by developers in February 2023 for AUD $5.8 million (approximately USD $3.638).

The house was listed on the National Trust List Of Historic Homes in 2013, after becoming a pilgrimage point for fans of the legendary hard rock band.

Malcolm and Angus lived in the house as teenagers when they were forming AC/DC, along with their brother George Young, a guitarist for the popular rock group THE EASYBEATS.

Although the house was listed on the Australian National Trust Register in 2013, it did not receive historical protection to prevent its demolition.

Following a 2015 review, Burwood Council did not recommend a heritage listing, explaining that the band's "period of habitation was too brief to be relevant to the life and work of AC/DC."

Burwood Council's review also concluded that the home "does not meet the criteria for aesthetic significance," nor did it have "any known technical or research value."

In a statement, Burwood Square Pty Ltd general manager Leon Kmita said the company had only found out about the property's musical history after it was knocked down.

"On behalf of the team at Burwood Square, I want to convey our heartfelt regret that we have only just learnt of the cultural significance of 4 Burleigh Street, the former home of AC/DC, one of music history's most iconic bands," he said.

"We now recognize how deeply this location resonates with the AC/DC community and fans worldwide.

"As we developed plans for this space, we conducted due diligence, including consulting heritage registers and collaborating with experts in the field.

"Unfortunately, the historical connection to AC/DC was not identified at that stage, and we regret that the previous long-term owner did not share this vital part of the property's background with us.

"We are genuinely sorry for this oversight.

"Learning about this connection after our plans were already underway has shocked us.

"We feel a strong responsibility to honor AC/DC's legacy and to make amends to all the fans who hold this band in such high regard.

"While we cannot change the past, we are dedicated to celebrating this significant part of their story.

"We are now salvaging materials from the demolition to create a special space, such as a café, bar, or live music venue, where fans can gather to celebrate the band's enduring legacy.

"We are also committed to seeking a collaboration with the Young family, fan groups and cultural experts to ensure our tribute is meaningful and respectful.

"Burwood Council has already acknowledged AC/DC's connection to the area with an impressive mural nearby, and we share in that commitment.

"We aim to ensure that our development also serves as a lasting tribute to their cultural impact.

"To the global fanbase of AC/DC, please know that we hear you, appreciate your deep admiration for this legendary band, and are devoted to making this right."

Burwood Council added in a separate statement: "The Young family's contribution to the Australian music scene has been widely recognized by Burwood Council and fans across the globe, and we like many others are saddened and disappointed by the demolition of 4 Burleigh Street, Burwood. Approval to demolish the property at 4 Burleigh Street was not granted by Burwood Council.

"The owner, under State Government Planning Controls, engaged a private certifier authorized to issue a Complying Development Certificate, requiring only two days' notice to Council before demolition works commence.

"Council has long-maintained that the Young House, located at 4 Burleigh Street Burwood has a special association with Australia's rock music history as the site where band AC/DC formed.

"In recognition of this, in 2015 Burwood Council proactively engaged independent heritage specialist, City Plan Heritage, to assess the potential heritage significance of 4 Burleigh Street.

"The study by City Plan Heritage cited that the 'listing of No.4 Burleigh Street in Schedule 5 of the Burwood Local Environment Plan 2012 as a heritage item is not recommended. The item fails to meet the significance assessment criteria'.

"Notwithstanding the above, in recognition of the cultural significance of the Young family and their connection to Burwood, Council continues to undertake initiatives to celebrate their legacy. These include commissioning a mural by artist Claire Foxton near the site at 12 Burleigh Street and coordinating a 300 person strong choir medley celebrating their contributions.

"Burwood Council remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate the Young family including engaging in discussions with the owner of 4 Burleigh Street to encourage any and all opportunities to honor the area's rich musical history."

The property was the first permanent Australian home of rockers Angus, Malcolm and George Young, after they moved to Australia from Scotland in 1963.

Both Malcolm and George died in 2017, with Angus still touring and recording with AC/DC to this day.

Malcolm died from effects of dementia at age 64.

In December 2014, Malcolm revealed he had dementia which forced him to retire from AC/DC. His nephew Stevie Young stepped into Malcolm's position.

Angus later said that he realized during the recording of the band's 2008 album "Black Ice" that his brother's faculties were impaired.

In a new interview with Heavy Consequence, Myles Kennedy spoke about the status of the songwriting and recording sessions for the next SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS album. He said: "As far as the progress goes, I think a lot of it is well on its way. I have to get my vocals recorded. Just have to find a window of time to do that in between the touring and whatnot. I have my vocals written and melodies and lyrics and all that stuff. I just need to get in to the studio and knock it out."

He continued: "As for the direction of the record, it's still riff-based rock 'n' roll with a heavy dose of the blues element that Slash brings, like only he does. It's some really great stuff. I think it's going to be another fun one to tour live."

Last month, Myles told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that "the demoing and all that, the writing" for the next SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS album "was done before I even embarked on this last [solo] tour. The easy part is the recording; the hard part is the writing. Slash and I were — he was sending me demos of the tunes. Then I was spending time with him, coming up with melodies and lyrics. And so that's all done — I think with the exception of one song. Now I just have to find a moment to get in the studio and all that, knock that out. But I will say that just even in the demo process and where we stood there before they went in to actually make the record musically, it is really exciting stuff. I'm really, really stoked about where this one's going. It's gonna be cool."

Asked if he writes any of the music for SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS or if he is mostly in charge of coming up with the lyrics and the melodies, Myles said: "Yeah, most of what I'm doing is lyrics and melodies. Occasionally if something comes in and I'm, like, 'Hey, can we change this chord progression for the sake of the melody?' But it's interesting 'cause more so on [2012's] 'Apocalyptic Love', when I played guitar on that record, there was a little bit more of, 'Hey, try this part. See what this sounds like, if we utilize this to help the arrangement somehow.' But it's funny — I was thinking about that the other day, and I was just, like… It just highlights how cool [Slash] is. I [was] coming in, it was [my] second record [with Slash] and I've got my guitar, and I'm, like, 'What do you think? What if we tried this?' And I'm, like, 'You're sitting there with Slash. He doesn't need any help, man.' But he was so cool and so accommodating. But as the years have gone on and we've made all these records, one thing that continues to amaze me is just how much he understands, not just the riff thing, but coming up with chord progressions that really lend themselves to coming up with compelling melodies for me. It's, like, he knows how to sequence the chords where it's gonna really leave room for a melody, which I appreciate. And, like I said, occasionally I'd be, like, 'Hey, can we try a G here instead of a D 'cause I hear the melody doing this?' Or I'll send the melody back and he'll go, 'I'm gonna change this chord because I feel like it suits the melody better.' I'm, like, 'Great.' So yeah, he totally gets it."

SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS entered the studio in November to begin recording its fifth album for a tentative 2025 release.

Last May, Slash told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that the CONSPIRATORS would go in the studio "in the fall". And then next year is gonna be back [on the road] with GUNS. And then we're gonna figure out exactly when to release the CONSPIRATORS record. 'Cause you've got ALTER BRIDGE, you've got all these other things going on," referencing the fact that SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS singer Myles Kennedy is also a member of ALTER BRIDGE.

SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS kicked off "The River Is Rising - Rest Of The World Tour '24" on January 23, 2024 with the band's return to Mexico City's Pepsi Centre WTC. The group's 24-song setlist included the live debut of a deep GUNS N' ROSES cut, "Don't Damn Me", featuring bassist Todd Kerns on lead vocals.

Support on various dates of SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS's "The River Is Rising - Rest Of The World Tour '24" came from MAMMOTH WVH.

Prior to the launch of "The River Is Rising – Rest Of The World Tour '24", SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS last performed in February and March 2022 as part of a U.S. tour.

SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS' latest album, "4", was released in February 2022 via Gibson Records in partnership with BMG.

"4" was Slash's fifth solo album and fourth overall with his band featuring Kennedy, drummer Brent Fitz, Kerns and guitarist Frank Sidoris.

SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS released "Live At Studios 60", their first-ever double live LP, for the 2022 Record Store Day. The effort contained a performance of "4", plus four additional songs from the group. Recorded live in Los Angeles at Studios 60, the "Live At Studios 60" double LP exclusive Record Store Day release was limited to only 2,250 copies. The full concert featured all the songs from "4". Additional performances of the group's Top 5 rock radio hits, including "You're A Lie", "World On Fire", "Anastasia" and "Driving Rain" are also included in the double vinyl package.

For "4", Slash and the band traveled across the country together to Nashville, Tennessee and recorded the new album at the historic RCA Studio A with producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, John Prine, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile),revealing a stunning new sound and style all captured live in the studio. Cobb shared the band's desire to lay down the tracks live, in the studio including guitar solos and vocals — a first for the group.

Slash released a blues album called "Orgy Of The Damned" in May 2024 via Gibson Records.

Last summer, Slash brought his brand-new "S.E.R.P.E.N.T." festival to cities across the U.S.. On all dates, Slash performed alongside his blues band featuring bassist Johnny Griparic, keyboardist Teddy "ZigZag" Andreadis, drummer Michael Jerome and singer/guitarist Tash Neal.

Photo credit: Ross Halfin

In support for America's veterans, Vet Tix has announced that Minutemen Family Of Companies and Barney Monk Event Staffing donated $50,000 to provide free tickets for veterans to attend TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA's (TSO) electrifying 2024 winter tour, "The Lost Christmas Eve". In an inspiring gesture of generosity, the multi-platinum classically infused prog-rock collective matched this donation dollar-for-dollar.

This latest donation to Vet Tix is a testament to the ongoing commitment of TSO and Jay Lucarelli, president and CEO of Minutemen Family Of Companies, and Barney Monk Event Staffing to support the veteran community. With this contribution, veterans across the country were able to experience the unforgettable magic of TSO's grand return of "The Lost Christmas Eve" to stages across the country.

"We are incredibly grateful to Jay Lucarelli, The Minutemen Family Of Companies, and Barney Monk Event Staffing for their generous support of our mission to provide unforgettable experiences for our nation's heroes," said Vet Tix founder, CEO and U.S. Navy veteran Michael A. Focareto III. "This partnership allows us to give the magic of TSO to those who have served our country with courage and sacrifice."

This contribution brought TSO's total charitable donations for the 2024 tour to over $800,000 — at least $1 for every concert ticket sold — further solidifying the band's commitment to giving back to the community. Since its first tour, TSO has now surpassed an impressive $20 million in total charitable giving.

The 2024 TSO tour, which began on November 13 and concluded December 30, featured a completely reimagined production of "The Lost Christmas Eve" with cutting-edge visuals, pyrotechnics, and a high-energy second set packed with TSO's greatest hits and fan favorites. The East Coast and West Coast productions and casts visited over 70 cities in total.

Previously, the partnership between Lucarelli, his companies, and TSO has had a significant impact on the group's charitable efforts, adding $65,000 to TSO's charity donations during the 2023 tour alone.

"The Lost Christmas Eve" is a product of the imagination of and based on TSO's double-platinum CD of the same name. The plot is one that resonates with people deeply over the holiday season. Alone on Christmas Eve, a bitter old businessman wandered New York City. Once a rising star, he'd traded love, family, and joy for a life of solitude and regret. The tragic loss of his wife hardened his heart, pushing him away from his infant son and into decades of isolation. Then, a chance encounter with a mysterious girl led him to a life-altering phone call. His son, who he abandoned decades ago, was alive, a gentle soul caring for troubled newborns in a maternity ward. After seeking him out, the son gives a silent and forgiving gaze to his long-lost father. As they sit together, comforting innocent infants, a new reunited life together begins.

Prior to 2024, "The Lost Christmas Eve" hadn't been performed on stage since 2013.

Pictured below (left to right): Adam Lind (Night Castle Management),TSO's Chris Caffery, Jay Lucarelli

In a new interview with the Appetite For Distortion podcast, SKID ROW drummer Rob Hammersmith spoke about the band's ongoing search for a replacement for singer Erik Grönwall. Erik, who was SKID ROW's fourth frontman since Sebastian Bach's departure, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March 2021. As a result, he is immunocompromised, which made touring difficult. Regarding where SKID ROW stands at the moment with regard to finding a new vocalist, Rob said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We are on an active search. We have had some really strong candidates. We have some people that we're really heavily engaged with and looking at. We're not there yet. As of this moment, as you and I are talking right now, nothing has been finalized. Nothing has been finalized, is really the best way to say that. So it's a long process. You want it to be a quick and easy process, but like most things in life, that's not really the case. So, no solid updates, no grand announcements for you as of this moment, other than we are still working through the process."

Asked if there is something that he and his SKID ROW bandmates know that they are looking for in a new singer or if they will "just know" when they find it, Rob responded: "It's the latter. I think we know, as individuals and as a group, we know, but to put it in words, it almost feels to me like you're confining it. If I were to give you four or five adjectives to say, 'This is what I'm looking for'… We want somebody who has a presence and a personality and has something about themselves.

"Anybody who knows the band's history kind of knows we're an energetic band," he continued. "We take pride in that. We're an energetic band. We have a particular way of doing things. That's not to say that we're not open to somebody bringing their own stamp to it, but that's a very difficult question for me to answer. So I would say that you hit the nail on the head by saying we'll know it when we see it. But it is a pre-existing thing. That's a difficult balance. You're talking about hit songs, and you're talking about a very long catalog from a band who has a loyal fanbase. And although throughout the years, you see younger fans coming and you see fans turn over, I guess, if you will, but there is still a core… there's a history and there's a legacy and a heritage that you have to honor that we want to honor. So we don't wanna deviate too far from that. But at the same time, there's room for evolution and each chapter, each era of the band is different in its own right."

Hammersmith previously talked about SKID ROW's vocalist search last month in an interview with The Metal Summit. He said at the time: "Yeah, so to kind of go back a few months, most of your viewers may know we were fortunate enough to be able to do some shows with our good friend Lzzy Hale [of HALESTORM] post Erik Grönwall's departure. Unfortunately, earlier [in 2024] when Erik left the band, we were kind of in a situation where we had to figure out relatively quickly what the rest of the year was going to look like. So we were able to do some shows late spring, early summer with our good friend Lzzy Hale. So no tour dates since those shows. We are still in an active search for the next lead singer of SKID ROW. We've had some really good, some really strong candidates. At this point, no news, no official announcements. As I said, we are still in the midst of a proper search, if you will, but we're making progress. We're getting there. So, unfortunately, no concrete announcements. All of that said, we like to keep it out there in the rock and metal world. Any ideas are welcome at this point. So singers out there, if you think you're right, you know where to find us for sure."

Asked how SKID ROW goes about looking for a new singer, Rob said: "There's so many different factors. I say anybody that's ever been in a band, but it's not exclusive to being in the music industry. This is really true with really any situation in life, whether it's a marriage or relationship or any other industry, there's so many different factors involved. So for us, we certainly look back on some of our past experiences, myself included — I've been with the band for 15 years now; longest job I've ever held. I don't know how I pulled this off, but here I am talking to you guys, 15 years later. So we really did want to take a minute to say to ourselves and then to each other, how do we we really wanna go about doing something like this in a way that maybe we can do it differently than we've done in the past? So for us, that's been an ongoing process. How do you try to account for all of these different criteria and these things that you have to look for? And knowing the whole time that you're doing something like this with a potential candidate for a situation like ours, they're evaluating us as well. So everybody comes to the table with their own different set of criteria.

"It's been a really, a really interesting process," he continued. "You really have to sit down and examine, as a band, what are your goals? What is important to you? What do you envision the future of your band looking like? And in a lot of ways, that's been good for us to really sit down and define exactly where we see the band in five years or in 10 years or in 15 years, God willing. It's been a really interesting experience.

"For us, the beginning of that process was to really sit down as an organization, as a unit and decide, okay, where do we want to go from here?" Rob added. "And then from there you can start to come up with plans. And any other business or like any other business, you sort of have to have a plan, a business plan, but for us the biggest thing was really sitting down and saying, 'Okay, what do we want to do over the next five years or the next 10 years?' That was the biggest part of the process for us. And then from there, putting that out into the public, into culture, however that works these days, whether it's social media, the Internet, things like that. So that was kind of the next step after we really decided, 'Okay, this is what we, as a band, envision our future looking like.' We just jumped right in and started looking. And sometimes, like anything in life, you're just figuring it out as you as you go. So you kind of make some adjustments along the way. I think that was the biggest part of the process for us, is really coming together as a unit."

Last July, SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan said during a question-and-answer session at the Days Of The Dead horror and pop culture-themed convention in Indianapolis that he and his bandmates were "taking our time" finding a new singer "because we have time. And we've got a couple guys on the radar that we're gonna audition," he revealed. "And there's also a couple of our friends that wanna do what Lzzy Hale did and sit in [on lead vocals] for a few [SKID ROW] shows. And that's fun too. That was so much fun doing those [four] shows [with Lzzy]."

In May 2024, Rachel confirmed to Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station that he and his bandmates had been talking to singers about potentially stepping in to replace Grönwall. He explained: "No one, really, with a name. But, yeah, we've been talking to a few guys that piqued our interest, for sure."

That same month, SKID ROW guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo ruled out a reunion with SKID ROW's former singer Sebastian Bach telling The Hook Rocks podcast: "It's not gonna happen. And I say the same thing every time. I'm thankful that people have such an interest in wanting to see that happen, but I also have to reiterate that this is about being happy in the situation that you're in. So I'll speak for myself personally.

"First of all, I do need to say something too, is that the reason that this isn't happening is because there's three of us — myself, Scotti [Hill, SKID ROW guitarist] and Rachel — who've had conversations about this, and we've all been on the same page that we don't wanna go down that road again. We just — we don't.

"Rachel has taken a beating over this through the years," Sabo continued. "He's the one who's been blamed for this. 'Oh, it's Rachel's ego.' 'It's this and that.' No, that's a load of bullshit. That is not true. And I feel bad because he's really, really had to shoulder that blame and has never said anything derogatory or anything like that. But you know what? The truth of the matter is that Rachel, Scotti and myself have continually felt the same way, that we enjoy being happy in this band and we're really happy.

"It's been such a great experience for the last however, 35 years, everything, all the ups, all the downs, everything, but we just don't wanna revisit that particular aspect of our history," he explained. "I love the songs, [I] love a lot of the memories, [I am] not fond of some of the memories, but just as individuals and as a collective, that's just how we feel. So this is not on Rachel. And this has nothing to do with anyone's ego or anything like that. So that's just gotta be clear. Again, for anyone to sit there and make assumptions that this is Rachel Bolan saying 'nope,' it's not. It's the three of us, and we've all collectively sat there and just said that we don't wanna do it. We just don't wanna do it. And we wish everybody all the best."

Snake added: "We've been just ripped apart by ex-members of the band and stuff — ripped apart. Some really shitty stuff [has been] said about all of us. And we just choose not to [respond]. It's not who I am. It's not who we are. We won't go down that road. We just wanna play music and be happy. This has really never been about a monetary aspect of things because it's known that we've been offered a good amount of money to do shows together and to reunite [with Sebastian] and whatever, but it's just never been about the money, man. I choose my happiness, my willingness to continue to be a really good friend to my best friends and a really good husband and a really good dad and bandmate and person. And I don't wanna endanger that in any way. So the people that we choose to play with, those choices are made in order to keep those particular things in line for all of us."

Bach fronted SKID ROW until 1996, when he was fired. Instead of throwing in the towel, the remaining members took a hiatus and went on to play briefly in a band called OZONE MONDAY. In 1999, SKID ROW reformed and, after a bit of shuffling over the years, featured a lineup consisting of bassist Rachel Bolan, guitarists Dave "Snake" Sabo and Scotti Hill, alongside drummer Rob Hammersmith and singer Johnny Solinger. SKID ROW fired Solinger over the phone in April 2015, a few hours before announcing ex-TNT vocalist Tony Harnell as his replacement. Eight months later, Harnell exited the band and was replaced by South African-born, British-based singer ZP Theart, who previously fronted DRAGONFORCE, TANK and I AM I. Theart was fired from SKID ROW in February 2022 and was replaced by Grönwall, who was previously a member of the Swedish hard rock band H.E.A.T.

Five years ago, Bolan also confirmed that he and his bandmates "were entertaining the idea" of reuniting with Bach following Harnell's departure. But Rachel shot down the possibility of a rekindling of his friendship with Sebastian, explaining: "Well… Here's the soundbite for Blabbermouth. I wouldn't say we were friends [when we were in a band together]. We were bandmates. You know what I mean? We're two very different people." Bolan added that he hadn't seen Bach "in years."

Six years ago, Bach was asked by Rolling Stone what it would take for SKID ROW to be reunited. He responded: "It would take those guys to realize that I have a lifetime manager. His name is Rick Sales. I've been with him since 2006. They don't want to deal with a guy like that. They want to give some singer who doesn't have a manager $700 to $800 bucks a week. I've got a team that's worked with me and don't allow me to get fucked around. I didn't have that team when I was 19 years old."

In response to Bach's statements about the earnings of SKID ROW's singer, Sabo told Rolling Stone in an e-mail: "I guess fact-checking isn't in his skill set… The five of us go on that stage as a band and we all get paid equally. We're in this together. There's no egos."

Sebastian went on to say that SKID ROW was "close to reuniting, but then it didn't happen. The fact that it didn't happen obviously makes me somewhat bitter, because life is only getting shorter, as the song says," he added.

"I wouldn't say 'came close,'" Bolan told Rolling Stone in an e-mail response to Bach's account of the reunion talks. "We entertained the idea. Snake and I went as far as talking with agents and promoters about money. But we quickly learned after a few text conversations, why we fired him in the first place. Nothing is worth your happiness and peace of mind."

In a new interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, LACUNA COIL singer Cristina Scabbia was asked how Italian guitarist/producer Daniele Salomone came to joined the band as the replacement for LACUNA COIL's longtime guitarist Diego Cavallotti. She responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We've been knowing Daniele for a few years now. He came on board, actually, a few years ago because he actually helped us during other recordings as well, just helping us setting the guitar tunes or just taking care of some equipment. So we asked him to help us out for the cycle.

"[When] we had this lineup change, we immediately thought about him because it's a person that we know personally, so we know that we can get along well," Cristina explained. "We know that he's an incredible, great guitar player. He knows everything about the equipment, because he has a studio himself, he produces other bands as well, so he knows how to handle things. And he was the first person that came to our minds when we were searching for a person that would play guitar."

Scabbia went on to clarify that Salomone has not yet been made an official member of LACUNA COIL and is currently touring with the band in a session-musician capacity.

"He's not like the new guitar player of LACUNA COIL because we always need some time — we need some time," Scabbia explained. "In order to be part of the family, you just have to tour with LACUNA COIL to see if it's your thing. So you don't know if it's something that you can actually take because the lifestyle of a musician is not easy."

Salomone made his live debut with LACUNA COIL on August 4, 2024 at the Rockstadt Extreme Fest in Râșnov, Romania.

In June 2024, LACUNA COIL announced Cavallotti's departure. Diego, who joined LACUNA COIL in 2016, initially as a fill-in guitarist following the exit of Marco "Maus" Biazzi, later said in a social media post that "this decision is not the result of my dissatisfaction or desire to explore new opportunities."

Cavallotti and Salomone played together in the Italian metal band INVERNO, which released its debut album, "Stasis", in December 2023.

LACUNA COIL's new album, "Sleepless Empire", will be released February 14, 2025 via Century Media Records.

Inspiration to create "Sleepless Empire" came during the sessions for "Comalies XX" (2022),the acclaimed remake of LACUNA COIL's breakthrough third record "Comalies". Writing and recording took place in northern Italy between Milano (the band's hometown) and Como, where SPVN Studios are located. As with their previous albums, production was done in house with Marco "Maki" Coti Zelati at the helm, and artwork was hand curated by the talented Italian artist Roberto Toderico. Two other very special talents enrich the album, namely the guest vocalists: LAMB OF GOD's Randy Blythe on the song "Hosting The Shadow" and NEW YEARS DAY's Ash Costello on "In The Mean Time".

As a token of the band's love for the gaming world (which we've seen in past endeavors such as their card game "Horns Up" and their collaboration with Zombicide for which they wrote the track "Never Dawn"),the band have created an oracle "game" to be played with custom made dice available only in the box set version of "Sleepless Empire".

Photo credit: Cunene

Mark Morton, guitarist and lyricist of LAMB OF GOD and acclaimed solo artist, has teamed up with THE CADILLAC THREE's Jaren Johnston for a new song called "Hell & Back".

"'Hell & Back' was so much fun to cook up," Morton said in a statement. "We found just the right balance of southern rock swagger, bluesy grooves and outlaw vibes.

"Jaren is a dear friend of mine and such an incredibly talented songwriter and performer. Our whole process was as laid back and natural as the song sounds.:

Added Jaren: "I was so stoked when Mark and his team reached out and said he was coming to town to work. I jumped at the chance to write with him and in the process made a great friend.

"I love the unforced mixture of our individual vibes in 'Hell & Back' and I was really happy we snuck a kick ass breakdown in there!"

Last October, Morton released his powerful cover of LYNYRD SKYNYRD's iconic track "The Needle And The Spoon". This rendition showcased Morton's deep reverence for southern rock legends while infusing the track with his signature heavy sound featuring vocals from Neil Fallon of CLUTCH.

As a native of small-town Virginia, Morton grew up on the sounds of southern rock, with bands like LYNYRD SKYNYRD shaping his musical foundation. For Morton, covering "The Needle And The Spoon" was not just a tribute to a classic; it was a personal reflection of his own musical roots and the lasting impact of SKYNYRD's bluesy, swaggering rock.

"As a small kid in the '70s and '80s, southern rock bands were the soundtrack of my youth. None of them resonated any deeper with me than LYNYRD SKYNYRD. Their signature guitar driven blues-rock has had a profound influence on my playing," Morton said. "It's hard to pick a favorite SKYNYRD song, but 'The Needle And The Spoon' is certainly on the list. Allen Collins's grimy, swaggering riff paired with Ronnie Van Zant's dark depiction of addiction are every bit as relevant and captivating today as they were when they were released 50 years ago.

"Having toured with CLUTCH for many years and having been a fan of their music for even longer, I've long wanted to work together with Neil. Covering 'The Needle And The Spoon' was something we were both excited to do together and we're thrilled with how it turned out."

Fallon added: "I was flattered when Mark asked me to sing LYNYRD SKYNYRD's 'The Needle And The Spoon'. I won't lie, though, I was nervous, because, well… Ronnie Van Zant. No one is going to equal his delivery. But I hope I did it some measure of justice. And if that doesn't convince you, then Mark's guitar solo surely will. It rips!"

The "The Needle And The Spoon" release followed Morton's acclaimed solo work and ongoing commitment to exploring genres outside of LAMB OF GOD's heavy metal focus.

In June 2024, Morton released an autobiography, "Desolation: A Heavy Metal Memoir", via Hachette Books. "Desolation" is, at its core, about Morton's journey as a musician navigating self-doubt, anxiety, and the progressive disease of addiction, and ultimately finding relative serenity and gratitude.

Morton co-founded LAMB OF GOD, which was initially called BURN THE PRIEST, in 1994.

In 2019, Morton released his debut solo album, "Anesthetic".

LAMB OF GOD's latest LP, "Omens", came out in 2022.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark Morton (@mark.duane.morton)

David Lee Roth has released another is his series of "Imaginary Pot Labels" visualizers.


The new clip is sountracked with a portion of Roth's bluegrass version of "Ice Cream Man", which originally appeared on Strummin' With The Devil, a collection of Roth and Van Halen songs done in bluegrass style released back in 2006.







Rhino has announced the release of the new David Lee Roth box set, The Warner Recordings (1985-1994), available on CD, limited edition vinyl, and digital on February 21. Pre-order/pre-save here.





The Warner Recordings (1985-1994) features the first five solo releases recorded by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and original Van Halen lead vocalist in one comprehensive collection for the very first time. Spanning one of the greatest runs in rock ‘n’ roll history, the set offers lifelong fans and newcomers alike the chance to experience Crazy From The Heat [1985], Eat 'Em And Smile [1986], Skyscraper [1988], A Little Ain't Enough [1991], and Your Filthy Little Mouth [1994] in succession.


40 years ago this month, on January 28, 1985, Roth officially debuted as a solo artist with the Crazy From The Heat EP. It crashed the Top 15 of the Billboard 200 and reached RIAA Platinum status. Plus, he logged a pair of Billboard Hot 100 hits - the medley of “Just a Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody” vaulted to #12, while his take on “California Girls” by The Beach Boys soared to #3, replicating the 1965 chart success of the original. Meanwhile, Crazy From The Heat would later serve as the title of his New York Times best-selling autobiography in 1997.


The EP paved the way for his first full-length solo LP,  Eat 'Em And Smile. Released on July 7, 1986, it bowed in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200 and eventually went RIAA Platinum. Roth hyper-charged his sound, accompanied by an all-star band consisting of Billy Sheehan [bass], Gregg Bissonette [drums], and Steve Vai [guitar]. Together, they served up anthems such as “Yankee Rose,” “Tobacco Road,” “That’s Life,” and more.


1987 saw the platinum Skyscraper return Roth to the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, elevated by “Just Like Paradise.” Meanwhile, Roth kicked off the nineties with the gold-selling A Little Ain't Enough in 1991. It marked his fourth straight Top 20 debut on the Billboard 200 and boasted fretwork from Jason Becker. Finally, he dropped Your Filthy Little Mouth in 1994, this time collaborating with none other than iconic producer Nile Rodgers [Madonna, David Bowie], churning out staples such as “She’s My Machine.”





Vinyl

Leading AOR force, The Night Flight Orchestra, present the title track of their cinematic seventh album, Give Us The Moon, out January 31 via Napalm Records. “Give Us The Moon” features a catchy singalong chorus, sure to convince fans old and new. The new single arrives with a lyric video.


Founded in 2007 by members of high-profile bands such as Soilwork, Arch Enemy and Mean Streak, over the years, The Night Flight Orchestra has garnered millions of streams, earned Swedish Grammis nominations and built a reputation for dynamic live performances internationally through touring and massive festival shows such as Wacken Open Air. The band is set to continue winning over international live audiences on their European and Scandinavian headline tours this winter and spring. Grab your tickets now, check out “Give Us The Moon” below and make sure to pre-order your copy of the new album.


The Night Flight Orchestra comments: "'Give Us The Moon' is the title track and guiding star that slides across the dance floor and into the night. It also speaks of our human need and longing to be somewhere else, and our notion that there must be something more out there - something grander, something more gratifying and mysterious.”




“Give Us The Moon” lyric video:





Give Us The Moon takes the listener on an exciting sonic journey, balancing between uplifting escapism and captivating stories inspired by real life events. The album's themes span the likes of heroines and temptresses to liberation and romantic nostalgia, set to backdrops of abandoned cities and cosmic tides.


The intro track “Final Call” sets the scene for Give Us The Moon before impressive opening track “Stratus”. The intro of “Like The Beating Of A Heart” captures the listener from its first notes, leading into an irresistibly catchy chorus. Massive “Melbourne, May I?” is a classic The Night Flight Orchestra anthem, featuring captivating solos that are equally prominent on following track “Miraculous”. The Night Flight Orchestra slows it down for the emotional “Paloma”, before again diving into different soundscapes on the exciting, uplifting “Cosmic Tide”. The title track “Give Us The Moon” builds into a singalong chorus, before the band continues their trademark of name-dropping streets and cities on “A Paris Point Of View”, that features fascinating instrumentation including particularly 80s-inspired keys and groovy bass. Sentimental “Runaways” feels like a part of a movie, only partially because of the attention-grabbing intro track before the first notes. The Night Flight Orchestra gets the tempo up once more for “Way To Spend The Night” before epic closing track “Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (And The Captain Of Pain)” wraps up The Night Flight Orchestra’s most cinematic masterpiece so far.


Give Us The Moon is free from the limitations of one genre or style, although many of the soundscapes of the album draw inspiration from the 80s, making the album a varied, exciting adventure. The album was produced by THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA and Sebastian Forslund, who also mixed the album, and is mastered by Plec Johansson at award-winning The Panic Room Studios. The galactic artwork was once again created by the talented Giorgia Carteri Boarding is completed - fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the flight!


The Night Flight Orchestra about their new album: “We have never worked harder on an album before and what a journey it’s been. We feel that this album has it all and there’s no way we could have done any better. It’s an explosion of emotions and cinematic landscapes where you’ll be catapulted into space and then land smoothly while feeling right at home. It will be your haven and your grand escape all at once. We hope you will connect to this album with every fiber of your body and mind, just like we do. Please do enjoy Give Us The Moon!”





Give Us The Moon will be available in the following formats:


- 1LP Gatefold Splatter Vinyl incl booklet, poster and flight ticket
- Digisleeve incl booklet, hip bag and sleeping mask      
- 1LP Gatefold Crystal Clear Vinyl           
- 1LP Gatefold Salmon Pink – band exclusive
- 1LP Gatefold Vinyl Black Vinyl
- Digisleeve
- Digital Album


Pre-order here





Give Us The Moon tracklisting:


"Final Call" (Intro)
"Stratus"
"Shooting Velvet"
"Like The Beating Of A Heart"
"Melbourne, May I?"
"Miraculous"
"Paloma"
"Cosmic Tide"
"Give Us The Moon"
"A Paris Point Of View"
"Runaways"
"Way To Spend The Night"
"Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (And The Captain Of Pain)"


“Way To Spend The Night” video:





Shooting Velvet" video:

Five years since their latest studio offering, Strike Hard, London, UK-based iconic NWOBHM pioneers Airforce, featuring Doug Sampson (ex-Iron Maiden), will return with their new album, Acts Of Madness, on February 21 via ROAR. Pre-order the album here.


Following the previously-released, first video single "Among The Shadows", today, the four-piece is premiering a new video clip for the thunderous album track "Westworld". Listen now on all digital streaming providers here, and watch the new clip below:







Acts Of Madness showcases the band's ability to evolve their sound while staying true to the signature style that has defined them for decades. Created during challenging times, the album represents a bold step forward for the band, blending their hard rock and heavy metal influences into a powerful collection of tracks. With 11 songs and nearly an hour of material, the album delivers the epic, arena-worthy sound that fans have come to expect from Airforce. Despite the adversity they faced, including the global pandemic and the tragic loss of their producer and close friend Pete Franklin, the band forged ahead with unwavering determination. The project took a poignant turn after Franklin's passing, as the band lost many of the original recordings. Fortunately, longtime collaborator Jezz Coad stepped in to help bring the album to completion. Coad, who originally worked with Airforce in the 1980s, was instrumental in shaping the final product. This album stands as a tribute to Franklin, whose influence is felt throughout the tracks.


Recorded initially at his studio in 2020, the production was delayed due to the pandemic, resulting in the loss of much of the material. However, the band’s resilience ensured the album was finished, with demos salvaged from previous sessions. The result is an album that feels deeply personal to the ba

Iconic streetmetal pioneers, Spread Eagle, are turning up the volume to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their electrifying debut album. In true rock ‘n’ roll style, the band has planned a series of can’t-miss events for fans worldwide, including an anniversary tour, the highly anticipated release of their original 1989 demos, and exclusive commemorative merchandise.


Relive the raw energy of The 1989 Demos:


Fans can now get their hands on The 1989 Demos, a limited-edition CD showcasing six tracks from the band’s earliest days that secured them their major label recording deal. The collection features raw, unfiltered versions of five songs that later rocked the world on their debut album, along with an unreleased gem “Gun Shy”— a must-hear for any Spread Eagle devotee. Produced by Charlie Gambetta, these demos capture the essence of the band’s New York City roots and their unrelenting streetmetal spirit.




Pre-order the CD here.





The 1989 Demos tracklsiting:


“Scratch Like A Cat”
“Switchblade Serenade”
“Hot Sex”
“Thru These Eyes”
“Gun Shy”
“Spread Eagle”


Merchandise for the true fans:


Celebrate the legacy in style with Spread Eagle’s exclusive debut album t-shirt. Featuring the iconic album artwork on the front and the tracklist on the back, this collector’s item is available now at the band’s official webstore here.


Hit the road for the anniversary tour:


Spread Eagle is bringing their high-octane live energy to fans in the US with their 35th Anniversary Tour, kicking off January 30 in Tucson, AZ. With stops in the US and more dates to be announced globally, this tour promises to be a celebration of their debut album plus other fan favorites. Catch them 100% live and experience the unrelenting energy that only Spread Eagle delivers. Don’t miss this chance to see a band at the height of their powers, still carrying the flag for authentic, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll.





2025 tour dates:


January
30 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock
31 - Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room


February
1 - Hollywood, CA - Whisky a Go-Go
21 - Denison, TX - Red

Finnish melodic death metal band, Defiled Serenity, is set to release their long-awaited debut album, Within The Slumber Of The Mind, on February 21st via Inverse Records. The third single is a cover of Rihanna's 'Unfaithful' featuring Karisma on vocals. 


Vocalist Paavo Laapotti comments: "I've always loved making cover songs, and especially when you do a metal cover of a pop song. I heard this song when I was younger and the melody got stuck in my head. This song is very suitable as a melodeath cover and I got the vision for it pretty quickly. We also got a very talented singer Sonja Lindberg to do a feature for this track. I met her while filming The Voice Of Finland program. She did an excellent job and I really like her unique sound a lot."







Defiled Serenity is a melodic death metal band from Loimaa, Finland. It was founded by t

In a new interview with Greg Prato of Ultimate Guitar, ex-MEGADETH guitarist Chris Poland was asked to name his favorite MEGADETH guitarists apart from himself. He responded: "I like Marty [Friedman], what he brought to MEGADETH. But I think Kiko [Loureiro] was my favorite of everyone. I just liked the way he played probably better than anybody. But Marty would be a close second."

In 2023, Friedman was also asked by Ultimate Guitar whether he had any favorites of the MEGADETH guitar players who either came before or after him. He replied: "After I left MEGADETH, I didn't really follow a few of the guys that they had after me. I'm sure they were fantastic because that's just the kind of band it is. But if I think of other MEGADETH guitarists, I think of how Chris Poland was in the band before I was in it."

Marty continued: "I hated copying [Chris's] stuff, I couldn't do it. It was just too alien. Like any, you know, super musician, they've got their own stamp on it and there's no way for one person to step into that other person's shoes. It's impossible. I love his playing. I hated trying to copy that. Just a super, super guitar player, and a great guy, too. We toured together once."

Friedman also praised Loureiro, MEGADETH's guitar player from 2015 until 2023, calling him "just a super, phenomenal talent. I remember, shortly after he joined the band, he sent me a video of him playing, I think it was 'Tornado Of Souls'. He sent me a video from YouTube, and he was, like, 'Dude, check this out.' And I'm, like, 'Yeah, man, you're totally kicking ass on this.' I was very excited.

"If someone's gonna, like, carry the torch, I was very relieved that it was someone as great as Kiko," Marty added. "And he's just a super-, super-talented guy.

"There's never been any slouches in the MEGADETH guitar department, but those are the two that really stand out to me."

Asked in a 2022 interview with VWMusic how he has gone about interpreting the solos recorded by Poland, Friedman and Chris Broderick in a live setting, Kiko said: "It's funny; I was never a guy who learned solos note-by-note; I never had the patience to learn note by note. And I still do it like this with those solos; I learn the main things, like the solo sound — very similar, I don't improvise and don't change the solo — but some stuff, I do the way I feel like. If the player does the arpeggios a specific way, but if I feel more comfortable doing it another way, I do it the way I feel like. That works, live, too, because live, you're running, you're moving; you're doing your own stuff. So, it has to feel comfortable as well. But again, you have to practice — I have my way of practicing guitar — so solos like 'Trust' and 'Tornado Of Souls', they're very recognizable, so I have to be very accurate on those solos. Some of those solos, less; it really depends.

"The Chris Poland solos are pretty hard, to be honest," he admitted. "The way he plays and his techniques I was not familiar with, so it was a bit harder to understand and play. Marty Friedman is more from the generation that I was studying. I'm a bit younger than him, so I was listening to Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai, those guitar players from that generation. So, I was a bit more familiar with his phrasing. But he's unique, Marty Friedman. And I had to be smart enough that I had to play the solo the way it is, but also, I don't wanna copy because it's impossible. The way I think about music, I think everybody has their own individuality and personality, so I don't wanna be somebody else. I can play the notes, but I play the notes, and the way the notes come out, it's gonna be my way.

"And then, regarding the solos, of course, the fans can say whatever they wanna say — some people love it — I don't get a lot of haters, so I'm fine with that. But the band or Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH leader], nobody ever said anything about the solos. Dave is really picky regarding the rhythms, to the details that you cannot imagine, because, for him, that's what makes the sound of a band. And it's very important because I have to play with him; we have two guitars together. The solos, he's more open to, but of course, I'm not creating new solos, you know?"

Poland was a member of MEGADETH from 1984 to 1987, during which time he performed on the band's classic albums "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" and "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" He is also a featured soloist on the group's 2004 album, "The System Has Failed".

For the past couple of decades, Poland's main musical focus has been the fusion band OHM:, which has released several full-length studio albums to date.

Italian masters of modern melodic metal, Temperance, have spellbound their symphonic magic into a thrilling live album, From Hermitage To Europe, out March 14 via Napalm Records. Captured during the band’s latest extended tour supporting their album Hermitage - Daruma's Eyes Pt. 2 (2023), the new live recording brings the magical village of Hermitage and fan favorites to life.


Now featured for the first time in live recording form, this story was first explored on the aforementioned full-length studio album, which has since also been released in its orchestral version, featuring many renowned guests such as Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie) and Laura Fella (Faun).


Known for their vocal harmonies, the first single, "Daruma", is a gift to symphonic lovers, where melodic guitar passages collide with a galloping drum beat. Temperance's Michele Guaitoli takes us into their magical world, while his vocal comrade-in-arms Kristin Starkey heats up the tension with her dark timbre. This live recording serves as the perfect prelude to their highly anticipated 2025 European tour, with melodic death metal giants Ignea and symphonic powerhouse Induction.




Marco Pastorino on “Daruma”: “It's been years since our only live release, and the time has come to publish material with our current lineup. For the first time, you’ll be able to listen to some of our most renowned tracks in their live versions - such as 'Of Jupiter And Moons', 'Diamanti', and 'The Last Hope In A World Of Hopes', while also including some of the most beloved songs from our latest album, Hermitage, after spending a year on the road supporting it. For this reason, we have chosen to release ‘Daruma’ as the first single, marking the first track released with our Kristin Starkey. We will celebrate the release of From Hermitage To Europe alongside our European headlining tour!”


Watch the live music video for “Daruma” below.


Rousing guitar riffs, epic orchestrations and powerful vocal duets are a welcome gift for symphonic metal lovers, now captured for the afterworld. While "The Last Hope In A World Of Hopes” combines gripping melodies and choral vocals, their stunning live performance can also be witnessed in “Darkness Is Just A Drawing” - fans will experience one of the band's most magical compositions, shining with masterful vocal harmonies. The palpable energy on fan-favorites like “Diamanti” and “Of Jupiter And Moons“ showcase the band’s extraordinary musical atmosphere.


Michele Guaitoli about the album: “The last years have been a rollercoaster of emotions. Temperance have grown on every level and have been traveling the world, having the honor of performing in Europe, the UK, the US and South America.


"Those who follow us are well aware that from Of Jupiter and Moons to Hermitage, we’ve faced a relevant lineup change. We felt it was fundamental to let our listeners understand who Temperance is nowadays, as the arrival of Kristin during the EU tour as special guests for Tarja had a strong impact on the sound of the band, thanks to her unique (and outstanding) voice.


"From Hermitage To Europe gives justice to what you are going to witness live in March during our headline run, and most importantly, sets in stone the essence of this new cycle of Temperance, which we want to be a cycle of rebirth.”


From Hermitage To Europe will be available in the following formats:


- 1CD Digisleeve - (Napalm Records Mailorder)
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





From Hermitage To Europe tracklisting:


Intro (live)
"Daruma" (live)
"The Last Hope In A World Of Hopes" (live)
"No Return" (live)
"A Hero Reborn" (live)
"Welcome To Hermitage" (live)
"Glorious" (live)
"Start Another Round" (live)
"Darkness Is Just A Drawing" (live)
"Into The Void" (live)
"Diamanti" (live)
"Of Jupiter And Moons" (live)
"Pure Life Unfolds" (live)


"Daruma" video:

DISTURBED has announced the 25th-anniversary edition release of "The Sickness", the band's seminal debut album which launched DISTURBED into public consciousness and is one of the most important and influential heavy metal albums of all time. To commemorate the anniversary, the band will reissue the five-times-platinum-certified LP on March 7, exactly 25 years to the date of their original release, in editions including:

* A limited edition 1-LP (silver vinyl) and 3-CD box set. It includes the original album, B-sides, unreleased demos, and an unreleased 14-track concert from The Palladium in Los Angeles from April 2001 as well as songs recorded at Chicago's Metro in March 2000 and the London Astoria in February 2001. The box includes a poster, cloth patch, backstage pass, and a set of guitar picks. It also includes a book featuring rare photos and memorabilia, and an extensive essay with new interviews with the members of DISTURBED, and producer Johnny K. An exclusive lithograph signed by the band is included with the limited-edition D2C format.

* A 2-CD deluxe edition that includes the original album, plus a disc of B-sides, unreleased demos, and rarities. The booklet features an essay with new interviews with the members of DISTURBED and producer Johnny K.

* Vinyl editions, including variants in limited edition green vinyl, limited edition orange vinyl (Germany/Central Europe exclusive),and limited edition milky clear vinyl (Spotify Fans First).

* Digitally, which includes all 40 tracks included in the limited-edition box set.

"The Sickness" 25th-anniversary edition is available to pre-order on all formats here. The deluxe box set will be available via the band's web site and digitally on March 7, and via all retailers in North American on March 21.

Today the band also shared a new mix of their song "Glass Shatters", available for the first time ever on DSPs, and includes a Stone Cold Steve Austin intro.

DISTURBED has become one of the most celebrated and commercially successful metal acts of all time. To date, DISTURBED has seen record-breaking success with sales of over 17 million units and 14 billion streams. It all began with "The Sickness", which includes their songs "Down With The Sickness" (recently certified eight times platinum),"Stupify" (two times platinum),"Voices" (gold),and "The Game" (gold). The album peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 chart and spent a total of 106 weeks on the chart. To date, "The Sickness" has been streamed 2.5 billion times worldwide. It was included as No. 24 on Loudwire's "Top 25 Debut Hard Rock Albums" list, one of Metal Hammer's "20 Best Albums Of 2000," and was highlighted in Revolver magazine's "20 Essential Nu Metal Albums" list. Billboard said of the title track upon release: "'Down With The Sickness' is, of course, the quintessential DISTURBED song, harnessing all the band's seethe and its now-famous tribal beat and guitar chug into three and a half minutes of alt-metal mayhem. It's menacing, it's rhythmic, it's rebellious."

DISTURBED recently announced the 34-date "The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour" which will kick off in Nampa, Idaho on February 25 (and is produced by Live Nation. Each night will feature two sets of music, opening with DISTURBED playing the five times platinum "The Sickness" in full, followed by a full set of greatest hits. The first half of the tour will feature support from special guests THREE DAYS GRACE, featuring the return of original singer Adam Gontier, and opener SEVENDUST, and the second half will feature special guests DAUGHTRY with opener NOTHING MORE.

"The Sickness" 25th-Anniversary Edition Deluxe Box Set

Original Album – LP & CD

01. Voices
02. The Game
03. Stupify
04. Down With The Sickness
05. Violence Fetish
06. Fear

01. Numb
02. Want
03. Conflict
04. Shout 2000
05. Droppin Plates
06. Meaning Of Life

CD 2 (Demos and Rarities)

01. The Game (demo) (unreleased)
02. Stupify (demo) (unreleased)
03. Down With The Sickness (demo) (unreleased)
04. Want (demo) (unreleased)
05. Shout (demo) (unreleased)
06. Droppin' Plates (demo) (unreleased)
07. Meaning Of Life (demo) (unreleased)
08. God Of The Mind (released on 10th-anniversary CD/2LP version (The Lost Children)
09. A Welcome Burden (released on 10th-anniversary CD/2LP version) ("The Lost Children")
10. Stupify (the forbidden "Fu" mix)
11. Glass Shatters (new mix) a.k.a. "Stone Cold Theme". New Mix with Steve Austin intro (unreleased version)

CD 3 (Live- Recorded live at The Palladium, Los Angeles- April 18 2001)

01. Want (live)
02. Fear (live)
03. Droppin' Plates (live)
04. Fetish (live)
05. Stupify (live)
06. Numb (live)
07. God Of The Mind (live)
08. Shout 2000 (live)
09. Voices (live)
10. Meaning Of Life (live)
11. Conflict (live)
12. The Game (live)
13. Walk (live)
14. Down With The Sickness (live)
15. Voices (live) (recorded live at the Metro, Chicago on March 10, 2000)
16. Stupify (live) (recorded live at the London Astoria on February 25, 2001)

Emerging out of Chicago at the turn of the century with an insidious, infectious, and inimitable vision without comparison, DISTURBED have quietly dominated hard rock on their own terms. They make the kind of music that pushes you to hold on tighter, fight harder, and persevere forever. It's why they've claimed a place at the forefront of 21st century rock with record-breaking success, sales of over 17 million-plus units, nearly eight billion streams, and sold out shows around the globe. The band have six RIAA album certifications, and singles from all eight albums have reached the top ten of the Mainstream Rock chart.

The two-time Grammy Award-nominated quartet have notched five consecutive No. 1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 for "Believe", "Ten Thousand Fists", "Indestructible" and "Asylum", occupying rarified air alongside METALLICA — the only other hard rock group to accomplish this feat. Since their influential five-times-platinum debut "The Sickness" in 2000, they have built a bulletproof catalog highlighted by a procession of smashes, including the platinum "Stupify", "Inside The Fire" and "Land Of Confusion", two-times-platinum "Stricken", six-times-platinum "Down With The Sickness" and seven-times-platinum "The Sound Of Silence" to name a few. The latter notably received a Grammy Award nomination in the category of "Best Rock Performance" as the band earned "Best Rock Artist" at the 2017 iHeartRadioMusic Awards. Still, DISTURBED never stop, and their most recent 2022 album "Divisive" featured their 17th No. 1 at Rock Radio "Hey You", "Unstoppable" and more.

Swedish rock quartet THUNDERMOTHER has released a new single, "Can't Put Out The Fire". The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Dirty & Divine", which will arrive on February 7, 2025 via AFM Records.

THUNDERMOTHER singer Linnea Vikström Egg comments: "'Can't Put Out The Fire' is THUNDERMOTHER's love letter to rock 'n' roll and more specifically — KISS! It's a trip down nostalgia lane to the time where our childhood rock 'n' roll dreams were made. You wanted the best, and you got it — THUNDERMOTHER!"

A blistering onslaught of loud, proud and gritty hard rock, "Dirty & Divine" marks the start of a new era for THUNDERMOTHER. This album showcases the THUNDERMOTHER recording debut for both Linnea Vikström Egg and drummer Joan Massing. "Dirty & Divine" also welcomes bassist Majsan Lindberg back into the fold.

THUNDERMOTHER have always been committed to the electrifying euphoria of real, organic rock 'n' roll. Over the course of 15 years and five widely acclaimed studio albums, they have firmly established themselves as one of the most vivacious and vital hard rock bands around, with a never-say-die spirit and collective charisma that underpin everything they do. These women are rock 'n' roll diehards, and "Dirty & Divine" takes that ethos up a notch. The sixth THUNDERMOTHER album crackles with gritty authenticity and unstoppable passion. For guitarist and founding member Filippa Nässil and Linnea, their newly forged partnership has been an unequivocal success.

"We've been working on this a long time, maybe a year and a half," says Filippa, who was pregnant during the "Dirty & Divine" recording process and is now a "thunder mother" for real. "As soon as Linnea came into the band, we started sending demos to each other, and we did loads of writing, which was great, because she's a fantastic songwriter. I was sending her the music and she was sending me these amazing lyrics and melodies. It's been fun to work with someone that good! On the last album we had outside songwriters because we didn't have that kind of synergy in the band. Now I send Linnea music, and then just kick back, because it is guaranteed she'll send lyrics and melodies that just crush the song."

"Dirty & Divine" illustrates perfectly all that is new and improved for THUNDERMOTHER. As the first two singles already made clear ("Speaking Of The Devil" and "I Left My License In The Future"),every one of the album's ten, sweat-soaked songs are dripping with potential to saturate and satisfy rock fans. Meanwhile, the decision to record the new material live in the studio has reaped its own rewards. "Dirty & Divine" is the sound of a kickass rock 'n' roll band doing it for real, and loving every raucous second.

"There is still that genuine THUNDERMOTHER feeling, with my guitar playing and all of that," says Filippa. "It's still got a '70s vibe, but the melodies are catchier and the vocals are obviously different. We're always evolving, never standing still. I think this is the best album we've made so far, and I'm very picky! [Laughs] We recorded it in Copenhagen, with Søren Andersen producing again, and we recorded eight songs in four days. So this was the quickest recording we've ever done, and the best outcome."

In support of "Dirty & Divine", THUNDERMOTHER will embark on an extensive European tour, kicking off in Hamburg, Germany in early February 2025.

"Dirty & Divine" track listing:

01. So Close
02. Can't Put Out The Fire
03. Speaking Of The Devil
04. Feeling Alright
05. Take The Power
06. I Left My License In The Future
07. Dead Or Alive
08. Can You Feel It
09. Bright Eyes
10. American Adrenaline

THUNDERMOTHER is:

Linnea Vikström Egg (vocals)
Filippa Nässil (guitar)
Majsan Lindberg (bass)
Joan Massing (drums)

The new THUNDERMOTHER lineup made its live debut on April 20, 2023 by playing a "secret" show at Pub Anchor in Stockholm, Sweden. The latest THUNDERMOTHER incarnation played its first "official" concert on April 22, 2023 at Ski & Rock in Sälen, Sweden. They then kicked off a series of European shows as the support act for the SCORPIONS.

In February 2023, it was announced that singer Guernica Mancini, drummer Emlee Johansson and bassist Mona Lindgren were exiting THUNDERMOTHER and were forming a new band together. At the same time, Nässilrevealed that she would continue with a new THUNDERMOTHER lineup.

In early 2023, Mancini, who joined THUNDERMOTHER in 2017, gave several interviews in which she described her time with the group as "six tough years" and "a very bumpy ride". She also said that Filippa decided to fire her from the band without consulting the other members of THUNDERMOTHER, a move which they perceived as "very disrespectful towards them, being that they believed that we were a democracy and that we had a say in these things," according to Guernica.

In March 2023, Mancini, Johansson and Lindgren announced that their new band would be called THE GEMS. They have since signed a worldwide deal with Napalm Records and have issued their debut album, "Phoenix".

Photo credit: Mats Vassfjord

Mexican-American death grinders BRUJERIA kicked off the "Europa Rigor Mortis Part I" 2025 European tour last night (Wednesday, January 15) at Trix in Antwerp, Belgium. The trek launched four months after the band's frontman, lyricist, leader and co-founder John Lepe, a.k.a. Juan Brujo, died at the age of 61 and six months after longtime BRUJERIA vocalist and samplist Ciriaco "Pinche Peach" Quezada passed away at the age of 57.

Billed as a "tribute to Juan Brujo and Pinche Peach", "Europa Rigor Mortis Part I" sees Henry "El Sangrón" Sanchez handling lead vocals for BRUJERIA and features CARCASS as headliner and support from ROTTEN SOUND.

Fan-filmed video of the Antwerp concert can be seen below.

In September, BRUJERIA announced that Juan Brujo died after suffering a heart attack during the "Mexorcista" tour in Saint Clairsville, Ohio.

BRUJERIA released its fifth full-length album, "Esto Es Brujeria", in September 2023 via Nuclear Blast Records.

In a 2015 interview with The Moshville Times, Brujo said that BRUJERIA was never meant to be a touring band. "We only ever meant to make some records. What it was, was back in L.A. in 1989, there was a metal scene which included grind and hardcore stuff. There was a band called TERRORIZER, and they wouldn't let them play in the normal clubs so they'd play in backyards in the Mexican parts of town. We would go — in the backyard of someone's house — and none of the fans there watching the show spoke English. All these Mexicans — there are a lot of Mexicans in L.A., so we just thought, 'We have to start a band that sings in Spanish. Give them what they want.'

"There were issues with some of the guys — 'I've got a contract with my other band,' 'I might be on the road' — but we were only ever going to make music; we were never going to tour it. Just make music in Spanish and see how it went. We did the first record in a day at the studio. We had nothing written; we had no drummer… we just showed up. Someone who'd never played drums in their lives was playing drums. We recorded four songs and when we left, we gave a copy to a Mexican kid and a white guy — one of those hardcore dudes, just someone who didn't speak Spanish. The next day we met the hardcore guy again and he had a patch on his arm. He'd got a BRUJERIA tattoo. He wanted to be the first guy with a BRUJERIA tattoo. The day after we recorded the songs. The Mexican guy — he didn't speak any English — we saw him a couple of days later and he'd memorized all the words. I mean, they're really [makes harsh vocal noises] but he'd listened to them about a thousand times and worked them all out. He was singing them to us there and that's when we thought, 'This thing is gonna work.'"

BRUJERIA's most recent lineup also included Jessica Pimentel, the American actress best known for her role as Maria Ruiz on the Netflix original series "Orange Is The New Black".