Babylon A.D. is back. The band has announced the new live concert recording, Live Lightning from Perris Records, to be released on March 17. The new album includes their top-ten rock-radio classic hits “Hammer Swings Down”, “Kid Goes Wild", and “Bang Go The Bells” from their debut release, their hit “Bad Blood” from the Nothing Sacred album, and songs from their studio albums American Blitzkrieg, The Lost Sessions and their last release Revelation Highway are all featured. 


Served up as an appetizer is the video for “Kid Goes Wild":







The fourteen hard rocking tracks on Live Lightning showcase the high-energy, powerful live performances that Babylon A.D. is renowned for and the band plans on hitting the road in support of the new album.


Derek Davis, Babylon A.D. lead singer, "We are really excited about this release. The band's sound engineer recorded three of our shows and then we went about listening to all the tracks we had recorded. The best sounding tracks came from The Empress Theater in Vallejo CA and Swiss Park Music Hall in Newark CA. We had sixteen songs to choose from and we settled on fourteen. Every studio album we have released is represented so it’s a good mix of songs. It was really cool putting the final mixes together, hearing the songs fresh with a few the surprises and a few mistakes here and there kept it interesting and real. 


“The band is booking shows now and plan to do a lot of dates this year and keep the energy we have alive. We can’t wait to start playing again, the only thing good that came out of the whole Covid lock down is the songwriting time we used. We are in the rehearsal stage for a new album and we have demos of fifteen songs already and plan to narrow that down to ten to twelve of the best tracks. We plan to release the new studio album early next year. Babylon A.D. is back! And we are ready to start a fire.”





Tracklisting:


“Saturday Night”
“Hammer Swings Down”
“One Million Miles”
“Bang Go The Bells”
“Sinking In The Sand”
“Desperate”
“Maryanne”
“She Like To Give It”
“Bad Blood”
“Crash And Burn”
“Shot Of Love”
“Love Blind”
“Sally Danced”
“Kid Goes Wild”


Place your pre-order now at this location.


 

According to Variety, GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash has launched a new horror production company.

BerserkerGang is a partnership between Slash and Michael Paszt, James Fler and Andrew T. Hunt of Raven Banner; Rodrigo Gudiño of Rue Morgue magazine; and producer Pasha Patriki of Hangar 18 Media.

In a statement issued to Variety, the 57-year-old musician said: "I've always been a huge horror fan, especially going back to the days when horror movies actually scared the hell out of you.

"I want to get into the heart of the producing business so I can try and make movies that I'd like to see."

Slash, Raven and Rodrigo have already collaborated on the film "The Breach", which premiered at a couple of festivals in 2022 and will receive a commercial release later this year. The guitarist scored and executive-produced the movie, which was based on a book by Nick Cutter and adapted by Ian Weir.

"I've been hustling, you know, trying to produce movies, since the last one that I did, which was all the way back in 2013," Slash said in a 2022 episode of the MovieMaker podcast.

Regarding "The Breach", Slash said: "I'm an old-school sort of horror fan. We've been using Lovecraftian kind of references on this, but it definitely has sort of a slow burn, sort of '70s aesthetic, and there was a suspense thing because you really don't know what the fuck is going on until the last act. It's the kind of thing where, for me, it's more cerebral than it is just everything, you know, spilled out on to the screen. [Gudiño] knows my style, so he knew I would dig it.”

Slash had previously scored 2011's "This Is Not A Movie" and 2013's "Nothing Left To Fear". He also contributed music to Quentin Tarantino's 1997 crime drama "Jackie Brown".

"Being that I'm a guitar player and sort of recognized for doing sort of loud, boisterous, hard rock stuff, that does not hardly ever apply when I'm writing something for a movie," he told the MovieMaker podcast. "Usually, every script I've written sort of pulls me in another direction. That being said, you can have a rock song in a movie, and that's great. But as far as the actual score is concerned, it can be something that's super, super light, or it can be a lot of you know, stand-up bass and cello."

He continued: "I can't be bothered with whatever people's expectations are. I mean, the variables in that alone would make you crazy, if you start thinking really about what other people's expectations are going to be. You just have to sort of just follow your gut instinct, and then once you've established that, you can think, Now, is that going to make sense to anybody else listening, or not? But even then, I don't really — I just do what I think is going to work and what sounds good to me, and then just go from there. I always have done."

Hailing from the cold mountains of Norway, Noxium Ferus is a diabolical horror act fronted by Espen Dyngen, a misanthropic hermit who has written lyrics for many well-known metal bands. The album is hard-hitting, old-school blackened death metal with a recognizable sound and style. The band's first offensive audio attack is the release of the single "Dickslapped By The Devil," featuring guest artist Jontho Panthera, Ragnarok drummer and leader. Noxium Ferus is completely uncompromising in its musical identity and content, presenting its audible horror show with offensive humor and strong anti-religious content.


Noxium Ferus is a band project created by sheer coincidence, and today, Espen is running the band together with his trusted right-hand, Torgeir 'Alvakien' Espedal, the new guitar player. Blasphemicon is a must-listen for fans of extreme metal, as Noxium Ferus brings the devil to your doorstep.


Blasphemicon is packed with horror and sonic torment, featuring artists having been involved with bands like Trelldom, Behemoth, Ragnarok, Belphegor, Natas, Massemord, SpitfireNorway, Nattverd, Chinbjer...and even an actor from the Valhalla Vikings show.




It is available via Wormholedeath Records on all digital platforms found here.





Tracklist:


"Blasphemicon"
"Kerethial - Cut Off From God"
"Make Me kill"
"Autokrator"
"IA Pazuzu"
"Live Life Loveless"
"The Conjuration Of Fire"
"Phallic Pride"
"Dickslapped By The Devil"
"Destroyer" (Twisted Sister cover)


"The Conjuration Of Fire"

Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck died at the age of 78 on January 10, 2023 after contracting bacterial meningitis. 


It’s just been announced that Eric Clapton is set to team up with a huge array of artists for two upcoming tribute shows, reports Matt Owen of Guitar World.


Set to take place on May 22nd and 23rd at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall, the shows will see Clapton team up with the likes of Gary Clark Jr., Doyle Bramhall II, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, as well as Billy Gibbons, John McLaughlin and Robert Randolph.




Beck’s close friend and guitar partner Johnny Depp will also make an appearance at the tribute concerts, as will some of Beck’s other close musical collaborators, such as Imelda May, Olivia Safe, Rod Stewart and Joss Stone. More musicians will be confirmed for the show in due course, with the full guest list set to be finalized nearer the date of the performances.


Members of the Jeff Beck Band - Rhonda Smith, Anika Nilles and Robert Stevenson are also slated to feature on both nights.


Tickets for the Jeff Beck tribute concerts are set to go on sale Wednesday, March 15th at Bookings Direct. Pre-sale will take place the day before, and registration for access is available at See Tickets.


Surplus income from the concerts will be donated to the Folly Wildlife Rescue based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.


 

The Iron Maidens guitarist Courtney Cox will replace Larissa Ernst in Burning Witches due to maternity leave. An official statement reads:


"First of all, congrats to our shredder Larissa, she is expecting a baby this Summer. So all the best for this special time of your life sister!


Yes, this came very unexpected and in the middle of the new album but that is life, the show must go on! We were looking for the best solution possible until Larissa is back from her maternity leave and we wanna introduce our good friend and fantastic guitar player Courtney Cox (The Iron Maidens) as her replacement. We are super thrilled she will be playing with us at all the upcoming shows, and you can see her shred already in the next Witches video."




Larissa explains: “Dear fans, friends, metalheads, due to my motherhood I will not be regularly playing on stage for some time. I am very thankful, that my desire to have children got fulfilled, but I am missing my witch-sisters and you all already. I am glad that we found a good solution for the meantime and want to say thank you to my girls for their flexibility and love, to Courtney for playing the upcoming shows, to our amazing fans, label, supporters and to everybody involved! I am looking forward to seeing you all at future Burning Witches shows, stay metal!”


Courtney Cox adds: “Where do I even begin... I have been friends with the mighty Witches for a long time now, and to be able to lend my guitar to their mighty coven is beyond an honor for me. To Larissa, I hope I make you proud. Ready To Fight! Love CC“


The next Burning Witches single / video is being released via Napalm Records on March 30th – stay tuned!





When Burning Witches come together, the world is ablaze. With just a sip of their bewitched brew of heavy metal, the quintet whisks the listener back to the heyday of the hottest and cruelest era in rock history. Inspired by the trademarks of classic 80s heavy metal - like skyscraper guitar solos, bludgeoning, raspy vocals and screams, and fast paced drums - Burning Witches unleash a searing attack once more with their fifth studio album and Napalm Records debut, The Dark Tower, out May 5. Fasten your broom’s seatbelt for this wild and fiery ride.


Behold. The cauldron bubbles and churns, as the Burning Witches conjure up their spellbinding album, crowned by the title track "The Dark Tower". Prepare to be entranced as commanding guitar riffs seize your senses, but it's the potent vocals that truly captivate - especially the mesmerizing chorus that beckons you to join with the coven. Yet, this is but a mere glimpse into the magic that the witches have weaved. Many more freshly brewed incantations are primed and ready to be unleashed upon those brave enough to listen to The Dark Tower.


Burning Witches on their single “The Dark Tower”: "Wow that was quick, right? Album No5 is already done and we are back with the brand-new single ‘The Dark Tower’. The title track of the new record will fit perfectly into our set list with its relentless beat, the truly epic riffs and the striking but melodic vocals. The theme of Elizabeth Bathory and her infamous ‘blood countess’ reputation was a fantastic inspiration for a breathtaking video clip. We all could relate to the story and its creepy saga and knew from the beginning, it would be a new highlight in the Witches history. Last but not least, we want to thank the fans that supported us here and played the extras, in this very emotional and creepy little ride. Enjoy the clip.”





Burning Witches set the world ablaze, ushering in a new wave of heavy metal. On fifteen energetic tracks, Burning Witches ring the bells for a midnight mass in smoky-warm bars. Opening with “Unleash The Beast”, roaring, dueling guitars battle each other with top-notch, fast-paced performances while the energy of the song rises to its climax when the sharp voice of singer Laura Guldemond combines with powerful harmonies. “World On Fire” first gets the listener’s pulse pumping with the rising tension of flashy guitar work, before melodic six-string solos unite with unbeatable guitar onslaughts and sophisticated drum attacks - underlining conjuring vocal lines that call out for an evening zombie dance. Restless and intense, the fierce women of Burning Witches shred their instruments on The Dark Tower like no other, but with the soft mid-tempo track “Tomorrow”, the witches settle down to gather their strength for just a moment. Bittersweet melodies float up to the sky like weightless feathers, carrying a message of five confident women. Ready again to gradually increase the tempo, “Heart Of Ice” and “Arrow Of Time” ensnare with extravagant guitar tapping and heroic vocals by Laura, while “The Lost Souls” merges devilish staccato and legato riffs, creating an ominous atmosphere amid the bewitching screams of the five Swiss enchantresses. With their new studio album, Burning Witches not only bring back the glory days of heavy metal, but push it beyond - trapping the soul of each listener with energetic performances on The Dark Tower.





The Dark Tower will be available in the following formats:


- Wooden Box Edition: Digisleeve, Bonus CD Cardboard Sleeve, Bonus 7" Vinyl in Black & Logo Beanie
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in White Red Blue Splatter with Logo Patch & Cover Art Slipmat (strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Marbled Blue Black – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Transparent Red – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Crystal Clear – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Picture  – D-Side Logo Etching (strictly limited to 100 copies worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Edition in Black – D-Side Logo Etching
- 6 Page Digisleeve Patch & Signed Booklet (GSA exclusive, strictly limited to 300 copies)
- 6 Page Digisleeve & Shirt
- 6 Page Digisleeve
- Tape Edition - Red with white print
- Full Digital Album


Pre-order here.





The Dark Tower tracklisting:


"Rise Of Darkness"
"Unleash The Beast"
"Renegade"
"Evil Witch"
"World On Fire"
"Tomorrow"
"House Of Blood"
"The Dark Tower"
"Heart Of Ice"
"Arrow Of Time"
"Doomed To Die"
"Into The Unknown"
"The Lost Souls"


 

Sabaton guitarist / Majestica frontman Tommy Johansson has shared his weekly solo cover song and video, this time taking on ABBA's "One Of Us". The song is taken from the group's 1981 album, The Visitors.





In the Party Like A Rockstar Podcast clip below, Skid Row guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo weighs in on Johansson's cover of the band's classic, "18 And Life". Go to the 2:17 mark for the beginning of the song.

Fantasy symphonic power metal band France's Avaland are sharing their next music video "Kingslayer" in support of their upcoming sophomore full-length The Legend Of The Storyteller due out on March 31st, 2023 via Rockshots Records to follow their 2021 debut Theater Of Sorcery.


The band comments:


"This one was directly felt as a potential single by the band. Lucas made incredible work on the guitars on this song. The riffs are groovy and the chorus is a real hook. And no, it’s not a song about Jamie Lannister haha! But the question, here, is: Where is the good? Where is the evil?"




In addition to the album's upcoming unveiling, the band will be supporting Rhapsody of Fire in the Netherlands and Belgium tour dates on March 10 and 11.


Compared to its predecessor, The Legend Of The Storyteller is heavier and is a much more epic power metal record full of anthems upon anthems for fans to chant to as they are taken on a journey over twelve theatric tracks. The record also hears double vocal duties from Adrien G. Gzagg and Jeff Kanji, along with album guests that include Zak Stevens (Savatage / TSO), Madie (Nightmare / Faith In Agony), Pierre “Cara” Carabalona (Eltharia), Ivan Castelli (Lionsoul), Angèle Macabiès, Jens Ludwig (Edguy) and Bruno Ramos (Sortilège / Manigance).


Lead by Adrien G. Gzagg (autor / composer / lead singer / synths and orchestrations), the album's storyline is aprequel to the band's first album Theater Of Sorcery, as he explains further:


"This album, as the first one, is a journey, a trip out of our world, into the universe of Avaland. We enjoy seeing Avaland as a great saga, as a movie, or series. We feel like listening to Avaland is like watching Game Of Thrones, The Lord Of The Rings, or reading comics, it’s an escape from everyday life. For this album, we took a lot of inspiration from Game Of Thrones and Arthurian Myths. We love fantasy and mythologies and we also find ourselves having a great fascination for alchemy and esoterism. Time is also a great subject, it's mystical… in fact, time will be at the center of this saga. This new opus is showing a heavier and darker atmosphere of Avaland’s theatrical universe. Are you ready to be part of The Legend Of The Storyteller?"


The Legend Of The Storyteller artwork and tracklisting:





"The Vision" 
"Crimson Tyranny" 
"Insurrection" 
"To Be The King" 
"Secret Night" 
"Kingslayer" 
"The Gift" 
"Out Of The Fog" 
"Betrayers" 
"Madness Of The Wise" 
"You’ll Be The Legend" 
"Lies" 
"La Folie Du Sage" (Bonus Track)


"Kingslayer" video:





"Betrayers" video:





"Crimson Tyranny" lyric video:





Pre-save The Legend Of The Storyteller on your favorite digital platform now at this location; or pre-order a physical copy here.

NeverWake starts the 2023 year off with a blast releasing their single cover of Billy Idol’s ‘80s rock anthem “Rebel Yell” for the song’s 40th year anniversary.


"We are very selective on the music we like to cover and this one hit home with us. We pursued this track because not only is it a rock anthem, but it holds a bit of nostalgia for the band. My father is a musician and I grew up watching his band on stage over the years with my jaw on the floor, just awestruck as a kid. He would cover lots of tracks but I always loved when he did Billy Idol. When our former drummer Marcus Giannamore brought his ideas for this rendition to the table it lit a fire inside of me because it brought me back to the days of me watching my dad’s band just kick ass on stage. He was my first inspiration to lead me to what we do today. And we’d love to pass that on," says Johnny DiCarlo.


NeverWake is a haunting sinew of hard rock and metalcore out of Pittsburgh PA. Captivating melodies are entwined with heavy grooves that refuse to leave the mind. Explosive riffs weave their way over a strong foundation. NeverWake has been capturing the minds of listeners worldwide. They have toured the US, played various national festivals, shared the stage with bands such as Falling In Reverse, All That Remains, and many more.




Just recently they have worked with powerhouse musicians such as John Moyer of Disturbed. There are no signs of slowing as the band is on course to release continually throughout the year and tour mid-2023. NeverWake consists of Johnny DiCarlo on lead vocals/lead guitar, George Scott on bass guitar/vocals and Justin Sanford lead guitar/vocals.


NeverWake is currently endorsed by Schecter Guitars, EMG pickups, DR Handmade Strings, and Splawn Amplification. NeverWake is signed to Melodic Revolution Records.

YouTube user Rattmaster86 has shared newly edited footage of Ratt performing live on June 15th, 2017 on the Back For More tour at Aura in Portland, Maine. Original members Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Warren DeMartini (guitars) and Juan Croucier (bass) were part of the line-up. Guitarist Carlos Cavazo and drummer Jimmy Degrasso filled out the band.


Rattmaster86: "This is a fan project I made for all you hardcore Ratt 'n' Rollers. It's from the 2017 tour, which was the last time Warren DeMartini was in the band. I started this project because I wanted to make use of a cool audio bootleg I had of this show. I thought it sounded pretty nice, so I checked to see if there was any footage of this gig on YouTube. Lucky for me there was, and enough to make it worth putting this project together. But unfortunately, two songs didn't have any existing video that I could find, so there's a few audio only parts. Either way, I think the project turned out pretty good, so hopefully you enjoy this show as much as I did making it."


Setlist




Intro
"Wanted Man"
"I'm Insane"
"Dangerous But Worth The Risk"
"Walkin' The Dog" (audio only)
"Way Cool Jr."
"You Think You're Tough"
"In Your Direction"
"Lovin' You's A Dirty Job" (audio only)
"Slip Of The Lip"
"Nobody Rides For Free"
"Lack Of Communication"
"Lay It Down"
"You're in Love"
"Body Talk"
"Back For More"
"Round And Round"





Credits:


Video by Fat Seal, Tom Schurman, Sam Ross
Audio by Massu2
Edited by Rattmaster86


 

Cyhra guitarist Euge Valovirta has launched a new series called In Depth via his YouTube channel, where he recreates a track (without vocals), plays it, and then goes through the production and mix. In the clip below he tackles Extreme's new comeback single,"Rise".










Cyhra, featuring former Amaranthe vocalist Jake E and Kamelot drummer Alex Landenburg, recently released a new single, "Ready To Rumble". Check out the official video below, stream and purchase the song here.


The song will appear on the band's new studio album, due to be released in 2023.

Genesis Publications has announced that the first-ever anthology of DEF LEPPARD, "Definitely: The Official Story Of Def Leppard", previously announced as a limited-edition release, will also be available as a hardback edition from all good bookstores. Released on May 9 and priced at £35, "Definitely: The Official Story Of Def Leppard" is the ultimate record of DEF LEPPARD's legendary career and is available to order from defleppardbook.com. The book's limited editions became the fastest ever books to sell out in Genesis Publications history, after the Collector's and Deluxe editions were fully subscribed within days of its announcement.

Part memoir, part scrapbook, the wide-ranging narrative from the band chronicles DEF LEPPARD's incredible story through hundreds of photographs where fans can reminiscence on the band recording in various studios, at promo shoots, on tour in planes, trains, cars and Holiday Inns, backstage and, of course, doing what they are best known for — performing their explosive live shows in front of global audiences from 1978 to the present day.

From extensive new text contributions to in-depth archival interviews, every member's voice is present within the book, including Joe Elliott (lead vocals),Rick Savage (bass and vocals),Rick Allen (drums),Phil Collen (guitar and vocals),Vivian Campbell (guitar and vocals),Tony Kenning (drums),Pete Willis (guitar) and Steve Clark (guitar). "Definitely" also features introductions by QUEEN founder and guitar maestro Brian May and renowned journalist and senior editor of Rolling Stone, David Fricke. A longtime friend and champion of the group, May delivered the speech for DEF LEPPARD's induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2019, while Fricke has written about the band from their earliest successes.

With unlimited access to the DEF LEPPARD vault, "Definitely" presents over 1,300 items of memorabilia and photography, spanning four decades of the band's history such as handwritten correspondence, rare vinyl pressings, tour memorabilia, set lists, lyrics, stage clothing, music video storyboards, draft album artwork and press cuttings, including many from the band's early days presented in a wallpaper sample scrapbook compiled by Elliott's mother, Cindy Elliott. Photographs from band members' personal archives and fans across the world are featured alongside those taken by renowned rock photographers such as Ross Halfin, Mick Rock and Anton Corbijn.

Genesis Publications was founded in 1974 in Britain as an independent publishing house true to the arts of printing and craftsmanship. Today, Genesis creates some of the world's most sought-after books for readers in 90 countries, with new authors in 2023, including Paul Weller, Chuck D and Lenny Kravitz.

In May 2022, DEF LEPPARD released its twelfth studio album "Diamond Star Halos". The LP debuted at No. 1 on the Apple and Amazon Music charts. The album also scored a Top 10 debut on North America's Billboard's 200 albums chart, marking the band's eighth Top 10 album of their career, and garnered a No. 1 debut on Billboard's Hard Rock chart. "Diamond Star Halos" had numerous Top 10 chart entries globally, including a Top 5 debut in the U.K. Following the close of their historic 2018 co-headline stadium and arena run in North America, DEF LEPPARD sold in excess of 1,000,000 tickets and the tour grossed over $100,000,000.00, a massive feat in today's touring world. DEF LEPPARD and MÖTLEY CRÜE topped that number yet again with another sold-out North American stadium run in 2022, selling over 1.3 million tickets which grossed a staggering $173,500,000.00. As always, the group keep pushing the boundaries with their electrifying live shows.

Van Halen singer, David Lee Roth, has released a new rendition of "Ain't That Peculiar", a 1965 song recorded by American soul musician Marvin Gaye for the Tamla (Motown) label. Check out Roth's new version, below:





Roth recently released another "studio live" recording, this time sharing "Unchained". As with the previously released "studio live" recordings of "Everybody Wants Some" "Dance The Night Away", "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", "Panama", and "You Really Got Me",  "Unchained" was recorded in May 2022 at Henson Studios in Los Angeles, CA.




Roth is backed on all tracks by Al Estrada (guitar), Ryan Wheeler (bass) and Francis Valentino (drums). Listen to all tracks below:

Styx drummer Todd Sucherman has shared another single drum cam video, this time from the band's performance of "Man In The Wilderness" in Phoenix, AZ at the Celebrity Theater on March 9th. Check it out below.


"Man In The Wilderness" is taken from Styx's 1977 album, The Grand Illusion.







Drumeo recently uploaded a new video featuring Sucherman along with the following message:


"If Foo Fighters invited Styx's Todd Sucherman to take the drum throne (R.I.P. Taylor Hawkins), we think he'd be ready. Even if he'd never heard the songs before.


In what's quickly become a Drumeo tradition, we dared Todd to learn a song he's never heard. In this video, he plays 'Rope' from Foo Fighters' 2011 album Wasting Light after just one listen. Todd usually learns songs by ear and gives them his undivided attention when listening.


It's tough even for the pros to learn in real-time. But you get to see it happen!"

Electric Callboy will release the Tekkno (Tour Edition) on March 24th. They have shared pro-shot video of their performance of "Hypa Hypa" in Cologne, Germany on March 3rd. Check it out below.





Tekkno (Tour Edition) is available for pre-order in the following formats:




- Ltd. 180g. ultra clear-red splattered Vinyl (limited to 1.000 copies / band exclusive)
- Ltd. 180g. yellow-black marbled Vinyl (limited to 500 copies / band exclusive and CM Distro)
- Ltd. 180g transp. light blue-lilac marbled Vinyl (available at all outlets)

- Standard CD Jewelcase





Tracklist:


"Pump It"
"We Got The Moves"
"Fuckboi" (feat. Conquer Divide)
"Spaceman" (feat. Finch)
"Mindreader"
"Arrow Of Love"
"Parasite"
"Tekkno Train"
"Hurrikan"
"Neon"
"Pump It" (Live)
"Hate/Love" (Live)
"Spaceman" (Live)
"We Got The Moves" (Live)
"Hypa Hypa" (Live)


"We Got The Moves (Live 2022)"

Firewind guitarist Gus G. has shared another instructional video. This time, he runs through how to play the band's new single, "Destiny Is Calling". Check out the video below.





Gus recently checked in with the following update:




"As we’re out on a massive 42-date European tour with Beast in Black, we thought it’d be a good time to finally give you guys some new Firewind music. We’ve been testing the new track live every night and the reception has been phenomenal. The video was filmed on February 11th in Munich at Tonhalle in front of 2,000 screaming metalheads and we feel it captures the energy and mood of the song. Crank it up and enjoy!"





Firewind lineup:


Gus G. - guitar
Herbie Langhans - vocals
Petros Christo - bass<
Jo Nunez - drums

LYNYRD SKYNYRD played its first concert since the death of founding guitarist Gary Rossington Sunday night (March 12) at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida.

During LYNYRD SKYNYRD's performance of the song "Tuesday's Gone", images of Rossington played on the giant screen behind the band. Singer Johnny Van Zant paid tribute to his late bandmate while also introducing Damon Johnson, who has been filling in for Rossington at live shows since 2021. "Damon Johnson playing it pretty for Mr. Gary Rossington, up in rock 'n' roll heaven," Johnny told the crowd.

Five years ago, Rossington told the Tampa Bay Times his doctors had urged him for years to quit touring. "I've had heart attacks on stage," he said. "That's why I was calling it a farewell tour. I don't know if I'll be here [much longer]. I don't want to just say, 'Well, we're never going to end,' because I don't want to die and then it end that way — which is a heavy thing to talk about, but I have to."

Rossington survived the 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. The band reunited with Ronnie's brother Johnny Van Zant as singer in 1987 and has been on the road ever since.

Rossington was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006, along with other members of LYNYRD SKYNYRD, and contributed to many of the group's most iconic songs, including "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird".

Last December, Rossington told Rolling Stone magazine about LYNYRD SKYNYRD's enduring relevance: "It's a tribute band right now, and everybody knows it's not the original. Everybody who comes to see us is told that during the show, and probably knows before they even get there. But people still come to hear it live."

Rossington, whose health woes had forced him to miss many of LYNYRD SKYNYRD's recent shows, with Johnson filling in for him, admitted he went through "a lot of different emotions" watching LYNYRD SKYNYRD from the side of the stage. "The notes are the same, and the songs are the same. It sounds good to me. It sounds like our band," he explained. "I look out and don't see the original band — it's strange. And then I look out and see a replacement for me, which is strange. Just hearing the songs without me playing on 'em live is very strange."

Despite “101 strange things happening," Rossington said that he was happy to know that LYNYRD SKYNYRD's music is still connecting with people. "To see the younger people enjoying it makes your heart warm."

Rossington went on to say that his former bandmates would be equally satisfied with LYNYRD SKYNYRD's continued presence on the touring circuit. "Me, Allen [Collins] and Ronnie [Van Zant] started this band with a dream of making it big, and that dream came true," he said. "They'd love it if their music was still being played when they're gone."

Newfoundland, Canada's Category VI will be releasing their new album Firecry toward the end of March via Moribund Records, and in lead up to it ear worming its way to fans along with celebrating International Women's Day that passed earlier this week, the quartet is sharing their next single "Valkyries".


"This song is about sexism and misogyny and my own personal experiences with this. Being told to shut up my whole life backfired. LOL :) It's about sisterhood and banding together like a bunch of powerful Valkyries against the assholes in the world!" says vocalist Amanda Marie Jackman.


Category VI returns in 2023 with a full blazing firestorm with their third album and most accomplished release to date “Firecry”. From the initial flickering flame of “Firecry” to the final cinders of the absolutely combustible cover of Heart's classic “Barracuda”, Category VI delivers true and classic ‘80s heavy metal with utter perfection. “Firecry” boasts a crisp, clear, and scorching modern production that does not distract from the band's true ‘80s metal sound.




Lyrically crafted around themes of personal pride and triumph ("Valkyrie", "Heavy Is The Crown"), witchcraft persecution ("Firecry"), women’s strength ("She Runs With Wolves") and their excellent live performances ("Coven"), these concepts are boldly and powerfully delivered by the soaring vocal excellence of Amanda Jackman. Bolstered and fuelled by the powerful stainless steel riffs and catchy melodies of guitarist Geoff Waye, the pounding anvil bass of Keith Jackman, and the thunderous steadfast drumming of Brian Downton, Category VI brings classy and classic 1980s power – Traditional Heavy Metal into the 21st century with blazing glory.


Category VI delivers an immaculate true metal, yet the radio-friendly cover of the chart-topping Heart classic “Barracuda”. With Firecry, Category VI unleashes a global scale climate-changing metal cyclone that just may melt the North American frozen tundra with its blazing power metal.


Firecry is due out March 24 via Moribund Records. Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"Firecry"
"Valkyrie"
"The Vultures Never Came"
"She Runs With Wolves"
"Heavy Is The Crown"
"Coven"
"The Cradle Will Fall"
"Burning Bridges"
"Barracuda" (Heart)


"Valkyries":





"Firecry":

Wintersun frontman / founder  Jari Mäenpää has shared a new short instrumental track called "Warning". Get the track exclusively from Wintersun Bandcamp here.


Mäenpää: "It’s funny how some people claim that I’m a perfectionist and I should stop being a perfectionist, but those same people will be the first people in the comment section to bash the production when I release something that is far from perfect, but is still 'good enough' for me. So who’s the real perfectionists here?


To all the perfectionists out there, the 'Warning' release contains the Isolated Tracks! So please go ahead and use those and make the production perfect! Or make a cover of it, that is perfect. I would be absolutely glad to hear it and learn from you!"




The "Warning" release includes the track itself, as well as Dynamic Version, Orchestral Version, Drums (Isolated Track), Bass (Isolated Track), Rhythm Guitars (Isolated Track), and Orchestration (Isolated Track).


- The Dynamic Version is mastered 3.5 dB lower in volume than the official main "loud and aggressive" track. But if you turn the volume up, you might prefer this version as it has a little bit more "breathing room" and punch.


- The Orchestral Version is different than the Orchestration Isolated Track. The Orchestral Version includes added percussion and bass.