Toronto’s tech-death quintet Apogean have announced that they have signed as the newest members of The Artisan Era roster. Following the release of their debut EP Into Madness last year, the band is excited to join the TAE family - with the promise of their debut full-length to soon be unleashed.


To commemorate this occasion, the band has released a new music video for their song "Chrono".







Apogean is:
Dexter Forbes - Guitar
Gabriel Castro - Guitar
Jacob Wagner - Drums
Robert Tam - Bass
Spike McConnell - Vocals

When ‘80s band White Spirit released their debut single “Backs To The Grind” on NEAT Records in 1980, the major labels came knocking. 


MCA Records won the race to sign White Spirit, and with a lineup of Phil Brady, Graeme Crallan, Janick Gers, Malcolm Pearson and Bruce Ruff, their self-titled debut album was released later in 1980 to great acclaim. A constant schedule of touring saw the band build up a large and loyal following, but changes in personnel saw Janick Gers join Ian Gillan, replaced by Mick Tucker, Toby Sadler take over bass duties from Phil Brady and Bruce Ruff make way for an unknown singer called Brian Howe.


The new and improved White Spirit entered the studio to work on their second album with then Gillan keysman, Colin Towns at the production helm. Alas, the album was never completed, the band broke up and musicians went their separate ways.Mick Tucker joined Tank, later followed by Graeme Crallan. Sadler slid easily into Airrace. Mal Pearson stepped away from music for a spell before returning to action with legends The Sweet. Singer Brian Howe crossed the Atlantic and became frontman for Ted Nugent, before achieving mega platinum success as the replacement for Paul Rodgers in Bad Company.




White Spirit were seemingly consigned to music history, with former members proceeding to forge impressive careers built on this promising foundation. Four decades on and the location of these second album sessions remained a mystery as they were presumed to have been consigned to a skip, as was the fate of so many priceless master tapes carelessly discarded over the years.


The day following Brian Howe’s tragic death from a heart attack in May 2020, Tucker and Pearson were on the phone reflecting on those heady White Spirit days. The missing tapes were once more discussed, but still neither had any idea where to find them. Fate stepped in France, Mal Pearson was rifling through his furniture in storage at the request of his wife to find a missing bedside cabinet when he found it, took back to the house and unwrapped it. Inside were four sets of tapes. One labelled Chiswick Studios – White Spirit. This was it. The one they’d all thought was lost forever.


It was arranged for the delicate and risky process of baking the tapes to preserve and retrieve the old recordings and transfer them to digital. Successful as the process was, the sound quality of all of the elements of the tracks were just not good enough for today’s ears so Pearson & Tucker decided to replace much of the musical accompaniment with a stellar line up of players. Neil Murray (Whitesnake) and Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep) made up the rhythm section, with tall the guitars and keyboards replaced by Mick and Mal.


Despite the efforts of isolating and retrieving the vocals, sadly four of Brian Howe’s original performances could not be salvaged to a good enough standard, so guest singers were called upon.


Jeff Scott Soto (ex-Journey) does a stellar job on two, and the amazing Lee Small (Lionheart) on another track as well as backing vocals. Finally, as a tribute to Brian Howe, “Holy Water”, title track to Bad Company’s million selling album, was recorded with FM’s Steve Overland taking the lead vocal duties.





The album was handed to Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall) to mix in Sweden, and the result is an incredibly fresh body of work with power, finesse, great songs, and amazing vocals. Ten tracks with a nod to the past, but fresh and vibrant arrangements fit for 21st Century ears. 


The wheel of fate that saw White Spirit disband 40 years ago, turned once more, unveiling the lost tapes that finally reveal the first album recorded by Brian Howe, sounding as fine as he ever did.


Right Or Wrong is out on July 29. White Spirit are planning live shows, with Tucker & Pearson already writing the next album.

British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have shared a video update from the 2022 European leg of the "Legacy Of The Beast" tour. The four-minute clip, which can be seen below, features footage from the first half of the trek, along with interviews with all six bandmembers in which they discuss their return to the live stage for the first time in more than two years.

Bassist Steve Harris said: "Midway through the European leg — actually, it's more than midway; we've done more gigs than we've got left — it's been brilliant everywhere. Absolutely fantastic."

Added singer Bruce Dickinson: "Honestly, I've never seen so many people watching [laughs] six gentlemen on stage as I have on this tour. It's amazing. We're just in the middle of doing Germany at the moment, and it's completely sold out everywhere. It's unbelievable."

Prior to the "Legacy Of The Beast" kick-off concert on May 22 in Zagreb, Croatia, IRON MAIDEN hadn't performed live in two and a half years — since the completion of its South American tour in October 2019.

IRON MAIDEN's latest album, "Senjutsu" came out in September. It marked MAIDEN's second consecutive double album behind 2015's "The Book Of Souls" which is the longest MAIDEN album, with a running time of 92 minutes.

IRON MAIDEN's first album in six years, "Senjutsu" was recorded in 2019 in Paris with longstanding producer Kevin Shirley and co-produced by Harris. It features three tracks whose running time exceeds 10 minutes each.

For "Senjutsu" — loosely translated as "tactics and strategy" — the band once again enlisted the services of Mark Wilkinson to create the spectacular Samurai-themed cover artwork, based on an idea by Harris.

"Senjutsu" bowed at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, charting higher than even the band's early classics like "Powerslave" and "The Number Of The Beast". Nearly 90 percent of the LP's 64,000 equivalent album units earned came from pure album sales. The critically acclaimed double album debuted one place higher than 2015's "The Book Of Souls" and 2010's "The Final Frontier", which both peaked at No. 4.

"Senjutsu" was MAIDEN's 13th album to top in the Top 40 in the U.S.

According to Billboard, "Senjutsu" logged the second-largest week of 2021 for a hard rock album in both equivalent album units earned and in traditional album sales.

"Senjutsu" topped the charts in several European countries upon its release, including in Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland.

Florida-based rock band, Gunshine, have released their self-titled debut album to all major platforms. Get it here.


Gunshine is a rock n roll band hailing from Pensacola, FL. While spending all of 2020 and 2021 writing and recording their debut album, they honed in on what makes them stand apart, and what they do best.


The debut album from Gunshine recalls the edge and bravado of bands like Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, and Motley Crue, but with an original, modern twist. Blistering guitar solos, catchy riffs, soaring vocals and a lethal rhythm section all come together to create a sound harkening back to a time when music was raw, blisteringly energetic, and loud. In a world where it is commonplace to play it safe, Gunshine throws the rule book out and plays it straight from the heart, no tricks, no frills, no BS. This is rock-n-roll, the kind you’ve been missing.




Drums and guitars were recorded at Clearwave Studio in Decatur, Alabama with engineer Jeremy Stephens (Gregg Allman, Alabama Shakes). Vocals were tracked in Las Vegas with producer/engineer Chris Collier who has worked with Korn, Whitesnake, Mick Mars, Lynchmob, and more. The album was also mixed and mastered by Chris Collier.





Tracklisting:


"Loud"
"Daylight"
"Live Free, Get Wild"
"Wall Said To Call"
"Feel Alright"
"Change Today"
"No Way"
"Playing With Fire"
"Something Real"
"Meet You There"


"Wall Said To Call" video:





Gunshine is:


Austin Ingerman - Guitar
Jordan Benson - Vocals
James Renshaw - Drums
Pat Brown - Bass

STABBING WESTWARD vocalist Christopher Hall has been diagnosed with throat cancer. As a result, the band has been forced to cancel its previously announced shows this summer while he undergoes treatment for the disease.

On Wednesday night (July 27), Hall took to STABBING WESTWARD's social media to write: "I'd like to apologize to everyone who made travel plans to see us in August and September. We've had to put those shows on hold while I deal with a serious health issue. I've been diagnosed with throat cancer. prognosis is really good but it's going to involve a couple of surgeries and 6-8 weeks of chemo and radiation. So unfortunately, I won't be singing anytime soon. I'm hoping to be feeling more human by Halloween and have my voice back by Christmas. So again, sorry for the inconvenience."

Blending the scathing electronics of underground industrial/rock with the emotive melodies of goth and a decidedly radio-friendly sensibility, STABBING WESTWARD rose to great heights in the mid-1990s alternative boom. Formed in 1986 by Flakus and Hall, the band went from underground cult sensation to the heights of critical and commercial success thanks to such songs as "Shame", "Save Yourself", "So Far Away" and "What Do I Have to Do?" To this day, these songs remain anthems of heartache, dejection, rage, betrayal and depression. With two gold albums and numerous hit singles, STABBING WESTWARD fell from grace with the 2001 self-titled album amid personal and professional turmoil, disbanding the following year and leaving a void in modern music that was somewhat filled by Hall's later work in THE DREAMING. However, it was the release of that band's "Rise Again" in 2015 that the seeds were sown for a reunion. That album saw Flakus once again making music with Hall, with STABBING WESTWARD guitarist Mark Eliopulos joining THE DREAMING onstage in Chicago for a set of past hits. In 2019, Hall and Flakus came together again to release the "Dead And Gone" EP, the first new STABBING WESTWARD material in 18 years. Written and produced by Flakus and Hall over the course of three years, and recorded in multiple states and time zones, these songs captured the very essence of the STABBING WESTWARD sound.

STABBING WESTWARD's latest album, "Chasing Ghosts", was released in March, marking the influential industrial rock band's first new LP in more than 20 years.

"Chasing Ghosts" was made available via COP International Records. It features 10 tracks that showcase the industrial rock band's characteristic sound with a modern sheen that picks up right where they left off with their last full-length in 2001. With the new tracks, STABBING WESTWARD has not only managed stay true to their original sound, but also expanded it to fit the frantic new reality of the 21st century.

"Chasing Ghosts" features brand-new songs as well as re-workings of the band's acclaimed 2020 reunion EP "Dead And Gone" that found original founding members Hall and Flakus honing in on the incredible partnership that once produced a string of hits that dominated alternative radio and film soundtracks, including "Shame", "Save Yourself" and "What Do I Have to Do?" — and resulted in two gold records.

To recreate that original chemistry, the band recruited the legendary producer John Fryer to again helm "Chasing Ghosts". Fryer, whose production credits include DEPECHE MODE, NINE INCH NAILS, 4AD, COCTEAU TWINS and LOVE AND ROCKETS, originally worked with STABBING WESTWARD on their best-selling early releases "Ungod" (1994) and "Wither Blister Burn + Peel" (1996). "Chasing Ghosts" was also mastered by Tom Baker who, like Fryer, worked with STABBING WESTWARD on their early releases and is part of the reassembled production team on the latest album.

I'd like to apologize to everyone who made travel plans to see us in August and September. We've had to put those shows...

Posted by Stabbing Westward on Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Chicago-based death metal quintet, Warforged, are back with the second single from their upcoming album, The Grove | Sundial. The band has released the music video for "Sheridan Road", which can be found below.


Speaking on the new track, the band comments: "'Sheridan Road' is a perfect example of the experimentation that makes up a piece of The Grove, and is one of our most ambitious songs to date. Lyrically, this was the first song I wrote as a stream of consciousness, to describe what I and a few of the other guys spent a ton of time doing during the initial months of the pandemic - driving. The video is a good look inside of our lives on the road, featuring a ton of footage we captured ourselves on the Terrestria US tour, and featuring a wide cast of cameo appearances by people we love. Get in your car, turn the ignition on, light up a cigarette and come take a ride with us down Sheridan Road."







The Grove | Sundial will see a September 9 release via The Artisan Era. Pre-order here.





The Grove | Sundial tracklisting:


"No Land Man"
"Hymn Of Broken Teeth"
"Sheridan Road"
"Self Destruct Seminar"
"Bliss Joined To The Bane"
"Burning Days"
"House Of Resentment"
"The Place That Breaks Your Bones"
"Painted Heart"


"Bliss Joined To The Bane" video:





Lineup:


Tim O'Brien - Vocals
Jace Kiburz - Guitar
Max Damske - Guitar
Alex Damske - Bass
Jason Nitts - Drums

Former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens has released the official music video for his new solo song "Embattled". The track, which will appear on Owens's upcoming EP, was produced by Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Nick Bellmore (JASTA, DEE SNIDER). Players on the effort, which will contain Owens's "heaviest songs yet," include Nick Bellmore, Charlie Bellmore (DEE SNIDER, ex-TOXIC HOLOCAUST) on guitar, and Chris Beaudette (JASTA, ENTEIRRO) on bass.

Owens stated about the song and video: "It was a blast making this video while on a solo tour in South America! It's such a great song that hits you right in the mouth! Sit back and enjoy the ride because it's just starting."

Jasta said: "Ripper has been one of my favorite voices in metal since [JUDAS PRIEST's] 'Jugulator' arrived 25 years ago. His power, range, and work ethic inspire me daily and I cannot wait for the world to hear the crushing new metal tracks we are creating!"

Fans can contribute to the project and get their names in Ripper's "thank you" list for a limited time here.

Released in May 2009, Owens's first solo album, "Play My Game", landed at position No. 66 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. The CD was released via SPV/Steamhammer. The offering consisted of around a dozen brand-new tracks that Owens composed himself or together with renowned friends, such as Bob Kulick, Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA),Mike Callahan (ex-EARSHOT) and John Comprix (BEYOND FEAR, RINGWORM).

Owens is without doubt among the most important metal vocalists of the past 25 years. When he succeeded Rob Halford, joining JUDAS PRIEST in May 1996, the press rubbed their eyes, surprised as well as impressed: Owens had previously been a fairly unknown quantity to international music journalists and only a few new of him from the band WINTERS BANE, but he recorded his first PRIEST album, the Grammy-nominated "Jugulator" (1997) with more aplomb than even insiders had expected. Following successful tours with the British metal legends, the strong studio recording "Demolition" (2001) and the live recordings "Meltdown - 98 Live" (1998) and "Live In London" (2003),and the movie "Rock Star" that was loosely based on Tim's experience with JUDAS PRIEST, Halford's return put an end to Owens's stint with PRIEST. More or less immediately, he was enlisted by Jon Schaffer to team up with ICED EARTH and sang on "The Glorious Burden" in spring 2004. Three years later, Owens followed suit with the ICED EARTH album "Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Pt. I)", which succeeded the self-titled highly praised debut by his own band BEYOND FEAR. Spring 2008 saw Owens move on to join one of the world's best guitar players Yngwie Malmsteen, debuting with a sensational vocal performance on "Perpetual Flame".

Owens is currently the frontman of KK'S PRIEST, featuring fellow former JUDAS PRIEST member K.K. Downing.

Fan-filmed video of ACCEPT's entire July 16 concert at Dom Kultúry, Sereď, Slovakia can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Zombie Apocalypse
02. Too Mean To Die
03. Restless And Wild
04. Living For Tonite
05. Overnight Sensation
06. Midnight Mover
07. Symphony Of Pain
08. No Shelter
09. Demon's Night / Starlight / Losers And Winners / Flash Rockin' Man
10. The Best Is Yet To Come
11. The Undertaker
12. Princess Of The Dawn
13. Fast As A Shark
14. Metal Heart
15. Teutonic Terror
16. Pandemic
17. Balls To The Wall
18. I'm A Rebel

As previously reported, ACCEPT will embark on a North American tour in the fall. The trek, featuring support from NARCOTIC WASTELAND, will kick off on September 29 in Nashville, Tennessee and conclude on October 29 in Columbus, Ohio. Fans can expect a career-spanning setlist of new and classic tracks, including mega-hits "Balls To The Wall", "Princess Of The Dawn", "Fast As A Shark" and many more.

This past February, it was announced that ACCEPT had inked a worldwide deal with Napalm Records.

ACCEPT's latest album, "Too Mean To Die", came out in January 2021 via Nuclear Blast. The LP was the group's first without bassist Peter Baltes, who exited ACCEPT in November 2018. He has since been replaced by Martin Motnik. ACCEPT's lineup has also been expanded with the addition of a third guitarist, Philip Shouse, who originally filled in for Uwe Lulis during 2019's "Symphonic Terror" tour, before being asked to join the band permanently.

"Too Mean To Die" was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with British producer Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH),who has been responsible for the studio sound of ACCEPT since 2010.

Mark Tornillo joined ACCEPT in 2009 as the replacement for the band's original lead singer, Udo Dirkscheider. He can be heard on ACCEPT's last five studio albums, "Blood Of The Nations" (2010),"Stalingrad" (2012),"Blind Rage" (2014),"The Rise Of Chaos" (2017) and "Too Mean To Die".

Asked in a recent interview with RockSverige if he managed to stay musically creative in any way during the coronavirus pandemic, ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann said: "Fuck no! I wanted to be, but since I always thought we're going to start again some time soon, I didn't feel the need to because we were going to be on tour soon and we had just made an album, so I didn't really feel like writing another album and have it just sitting in the can. Honestly, I wasn't inspired at all. I probably should've [been], but I said, 'Fuck it! I'm not going to do it.' So now we have nothing to show for… [Laughs] I wish I had, but also, I didn't want to do one of those lame… and a lot of artists have done it, where they rerecord a bunch of songs from their childhood… it's a kind of lame thing to do and we didn't want to do that. I thought about it for a second, but then, nah… And I didn't want to do one of those COVID live streams either. Seems like all these things have been done to death by other people. I thought it would be better to wait until we could properly tour again, so we did."

The 62-year-old German-born musician, who currently resides in Florida, continued: "I get really inspired when I have to be. When there's a deadline, that fires me up, and when I know we have a tour in January and I know I have to do this and the record label says, 'We need this in the fall,' then I get going. But when it's like an open end, I have to admit it's, like, 'Nah, not today. I'm not feeling it.' I'm just quite human that way. I'm not the German robot people think I am."

Asked if the pandemic made him stop and think about life, specifically the possibility of never playing live again, Wolf said: "Absolutely. It made me panic a little bit because this is what I want to do in life and this is why I'm on this earth. I was starting to freak out. 'What if it's never going to go back?'

"Who knows what's going to happen? It used to be a certain amount of certainty about things, like, 'Oh, that will never happen,' but lately… I hardly rule out anything anymore. The war in Europe… All of a sudden, it was, like, 'Fuck, we better hurry up with life.' It makes you think. It definitely does. Things you took for granted, you can't anymore. It changed my perspective and it made me realize even more, live while you can and enjoy life because we're not here forever and nothing lasts forever."

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame-inducted Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, performer, entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author Sammy Hagar has announced the release of his second studio album with his Billboard chart-topping supergroup THE CIRCLE. The LP, titled "Crazy Times", finds Hagar, fellow Hall Of Famer and VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony, Grammy-winning drummer Jason Bonham and Grammy-winning guitar virtuoso Vic Johnson changing course, traveling to Nashville to record the album with eight-time Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb at Nashville's historic RCA Studio A. Due out Friday, September 30 via UMe on CD as well as digitally, with the vinyl following on October 28, the album's title track is available today on digital and streaming platforms. The CD and vinyl configurations, including a translucent red color vinyl exclusive, are available for pre-order. The official Travis Detweiler-directed music video for the album's first single, the "Crazy Times" title track, can be seen below.

Sammy shared about making the album: "Working with Dave Cobb for the first time was enlightening. We went into the studio to record in the fall of 2021, when the world was starting to come out of the pandemic bubble we'd all been living in. The lyrics for 'Crazy Times' just came from that new freedom we were feeling, the freedom felt unbelievable, but a little uncertain, too. We had to ask ourselves 'what are we doing here and what do we want?'"

"Going back in the studio, creating and being with the music is just what felt natural. And it was just so different from any record I've ever made. There was joy in the hard work, catharsis and the comradery we'd craved. It was like those two years of not being able to do very much fell away and we really all came together and let it out in the music and lyrics. We were able to express what we all felt."

"Crazy Times", the band's long-anticipated sophomore album, is a follow-up to their much-lauded debut "Space Between", a multi-category No. 1 Billboard-charting album. The new LP will include 10 songs, nine of which Hagar wrote or co-wrote, along with a notable cover, "Pump It Up", a 1978 song by Elvis Costello and THE ATTRACTIONS. The song "Crazy Times" was written by the whole band along with Dave Cobb and recorded live.

Sammy explains: "Before I stepped into the studio with Dave, he'd told me he wanted the best of my career on this record, and he wasn't going to let me get out of that studio until I gave it to him. So, I said, 'If you expect that from me, at my age, as many records as I've made, you're going to have to push me,' and he said no problem. Obviously, I dug down and just tried to write good strong songs, great lyrics, great melodies and not worry so much about the arrangements because he had that covered. And he pushed and squeezed every one of us. We went in the studio with seven songs and came out with 10. We ended up co-writing three songs with Dave Cobb and the band — including the new track, 'Crazy Times'."

"Crazy Times" track listing:

01. Intro: The Beginning Of The End
02. Slow Drain
03. Feed Your Head
04. Pump It Up
05. Be Still
06. You Get What You Pay For
07. Crazy Times
08. Funky Feng Shui
09. Father Time
10. Childhoods End

In support of the album release, SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE hit the road in June with the 21-city "Crazy Times" U.S. amphitheater tour. Fans and critics have been raving about the new songs, which have found their way into their explosive greatest hits-heavy setlist. Following the tour wrap on Saturday, October 1 in Sacramento, California, Hagar will celebrate his 75th birthday at his annual week of Birthday Bash concerts at his Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Hagar remains committed to social advocacy and philanthropy through his Hagar Family Foundation. For more than a decade, the foundation uses music and Sammy's entrepreneur endeavors as a means to give back to causes special to him and his family; mainly food pantries and children's music and health related causes. To date, they have supported these causes with personal contributions of more than $4 million.

For more than five decades, Hagar has been recognized as one of the best and most accomplished lead singers and songwriters in rock music. From breaking into the industry with the seminal hard rock band MONTROSE, to his multi-platinum solo career, to his ride as the frontman of VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT and his latest best-selling supergroup, THE CIRCLE, Hagar has amassed 25 platinum albums on sales surpassing 50 million worldwide. Along his journey, he has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever written with songs like "I Can't Drive 55", "Right Now" and "Why Can't This Be Love", and earned the highest respect of the music industry with a Grammy Award and induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Since launching his flagship Cabo Wabo Cantina in 1990, he's turned a lifelong passion for great food, music and spirits into a thriving and iconic lifestyle brand. A pioneer in the spirits industry, Hagar's development and nine-figure sale of his Cabo Wabo Tequila to Gruppo Campari in 2008 is widely credited as the start of the celebrity-owned spirits trend. His portfolio of spirits now includes Sammy's Beach Bar Rum, Santo Tequila and Sammy's Beach Bar Cocktail Co., as well as several restaurants. Never one to hit the brakes, he's also found success in publishing, TV, radio and beyond, including five seasons of his hit TV show "Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar" and as host of "Sammy Hagar's Top Rock Countdown", his syndicated radio show that's broadcast on over 90 U.S. stations. He's also a New York Times bestselling author, a dedicated philanthropist and since January 5, 2022, the first Honorary Ambassador to Los Cabos, an honor he was bestowed in recognition of his longtime investment in the people and economy of Mexico.

Metallica’s 1986 thrash metal classic “Master Of Puppets”, which entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time ever after gaining new life being featured Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, has been given the jazz treatment by vocalist  Robyn Adele Anderson and her band. Check out this new rendition of the song, complete with blistering violin solo, below.


This video was done live, using one take.







Metallica recently released an official lyric video for the song, featuring animation by ILOVEDUST. Check it out below.

Brooklyn, New York stoner/sludge trio, Somnuri, has united with MNRK Heavy for the release of their upcoming, third full-length, unveiling a stand-alone video single, “Coils”.


Among other hustles, hitting the pavement and providing a cannabis delivery service was one of the main catalysts in Somnuri’s infant stages and a DIY ethos was adopted early on. The grind it takes to survive in New York City seeps into their music and it’s hard not to hear elements of the city throughout: sludge, atmosphere, and at times brutal dissonance, layered with pounding and entrancing rhythms and low-end frequencies that make your guts rattle. Somnuri’s sound weaves in and out of hauntingly infectious melodies and bludgeoning riffs and grooves that shift time and tempo often.


Comments the band of their MNRK Heavy signing, “Somnuri is beyond stoked to be a part of the MNRK Heavy family. Joining the ranks of this roster is an absolute honor and we look forward to bringing our flavor of heavy to the mix.”




In celebration of their signing, the band is pleased to reveal their new single, “Coils”. The track seamlessly fuses rugged heaviness with epic and melodic instrumentals. Their groove-forward, bludgeoning riffs, and psychedelic atmosphere is in spirit with the likes of High On Fire, Mastodon, and Torche.


Notes the band, “The song ‘Coils’ is about getting stuck in loops. It’s about repeating the same mistakes and searching deep within to overcome them.”


Watch the video below, and stream the track here.





Somnuri started when two multi-instrumentalists joined forces after sharing the stage and practice spaces in previous Brooklyn-based bands. Justin Sherrell (guitar/vocals) had guitar ideas he wanted to develop further and soon linked up with drummer Phil SanGiacomo. The ability for both founding members to explore ideas on guitar, bass, drums, and vocals continues to be the band’s lifeblood.   


With a willingness to venture into new sonic spaces of heavy music, Somnuri’s upcoming full-length is in the works and due out in 2023 via MNRK Heavy. Further info will be unveiled in the coming months.


Live dates:


August
9 - Saint Vitus Bar - Brooklyn, NY (with Crowbar, Spirit Adrift, Stabbed)
26 - Tattoo The Earth Festival Pre-Party @ The Palladium - Worcester, MA (with Unearth, Sworn Enemy, Boundaries, Hazing Over)


Somnuri live lineup:


Justin Sherrell - guitar, vocals
Phil SanGiacomo - drums
Mike G - bass


(Photo - Susan Hunt)

David Lee Roth has released a new solo song titled "Nothing Could Have Stopped Us Back Then Anyway". The accompanying YouTube video for the track features a photo of the classic lineup of VAN HALEN, about whom the song was apparently written.

"Nothing Could Have Stopped Us Back Then Anyway" lyrics:

We laughed, we cried, we threw the television off that balcony
That memory means so much to me

No doubt in me, I do believe that no one listens to both sides except the neighbors
Fine art of compromise, happy losing half of mine 'cuz she'll lose her half later

First taste of being victim of the very songs I sing
Ended up with "say goodbye" and "I hope I hear good things"

Walk away
Walk away

Nothing could have stopped us back then anyway

Remember when you safety pinned the tablecloth to my pantsAnd I stood up to the sound of dancing and the sound of our romance beginningKicked out the restaurant to make the night completeSix pack and a happy meal on a park bench down the street

Dinner with Tennessee’s elite

"Once upon a time" is how a fairy tale sells it
"Sit down you won't believe this shit" is how the trucker tells it
Strike up the band, hire the piper we will pay

Nothing could have stopped us back then anyway [End of lyrics]

Back in 2020, Roth included five previously unreleased songs in The Roth Project, an online comic narrated by the legendary VAN HALEN singer, with music from John 5 on guitar and bass, Greg Bissonette on drums, Brett Tuggle on keyboards, and Luis Conte on percussion. The tracks "Giddy-Up!", "Somewhere Over The Rainbow Bar And Grill", "Alligator Pants", "Lo-Rez Sunset" and "Manda Bala" were recorded nearly a decade ago at Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood, California.

Asked in a recent interview with Darren Paltrowitz — host of the "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" — if he gets a "notice" every time one of the previously unreleased songs from his Roth sessions is officially made available, John 5 said: "I don't get a notice, which is funny. I just find out on Blabbermouth or something. But there's a song that I just can't wait for Dave to release. It's called 'Nothing Could Have Stopped Us' and it's about VAN HALEN. It's my favorite song that I've ever done with Dave, and it is beautiful. I don't know why he's not releasing that one yet. And I just can't wait for people to hear that one. 'Cause it's about VAN HALEN. It's just absolutely wonderful. I just am really looking forward to him releasing that one."

John 5 went on to talk about the recording sessions for the unreleased Roth record, saying: "We had a great time. We had a blast — a lot of laughs, a lot of fun. I'm just so happy that I had that cool working vibe with Dave that we can just jump into the studio anytime and knock out some songs. And I'm very lucky 'cause not a lot of people get a chance to do that with Dave.

He added: "We were all in there together — I remember we were just all in there together. And that's how it was. We were all just doing it together — kind of like the old days, and he wanted to do it like that. And it really was a lot of fun. We had so much fun doing it. And it's one of my fondest memories."

In August 2021, John 5 told AL.com that the rest of the unreleased Roth record is in the same vein as the songs that have come out, which have a singer/songwriter sound. "[Dave] wanted to do this kind of a more California sessions type of thing," the guitarist explained. "And he's such an artist, I was, like, 'Whatever you want to do, I'm there for you.' So it is that kind of vibe. But there's a lot of multi tracks and different acoustic parts that all work together. It's kind of orchestrated, if you will."

John 5 got his first big break playing on Roth's solo album, "DLR Band", before landing stints with Marilyn Manson and now Rob Zombie. His latest sessions with the iconic VAN HALEN frontman apparently took place at least eight years ago, with John 5 unveiling a snippet of the album during an interview with Masters Of Shred back in May 2019.

Three years ago, Roth was asked by Meltdown of the Detroit radio station WRIF if his LP with John 5 will be made available at some point. He responded: "It will. There's been a revision of things, and I can start making real plans and start marching into the future. And, of course, you'll start hearing that material. This is material that we wrote variously for me solo and for VAN HALEN, and it's quite a bank of stuff."

Roth, who was promoting his Las Vegas residency at the time, didn't offer a possible time frame for the release of the record, explaining that his priority was "getting out on the road first. Let's see the band, let's show ourselves off, let's travel all over the world."

Back in 2015, John 5 told Guitar Player magazine that the sessions for his latest Roth album were remarkably relaxed. "I would just go to his house and I'd write these songs with him, and he would say, 'Let's go into the studio,'" John 5 explained. "So he would go to Henson studio and record these songs. They came out… They're so good. They're so good. And we've got Gregg Bissonette playing drums on it, and I played the bass, and they're really great songs."

The guitarist said that Roth's vocals on the album sound "like nothing you've ever heard. It's old VAN HALEN — sounds like 'Could This Be Magic?' or anything like that. It's just that sound, that tone."

In a 2014 interview, John 5 described the LP as "11 of the greatest songs you'll ever hear, and it's just me and Dave, and we had Gregg Bissonette play drums on it. And it's unbelievable," he said. "You know, just great, great songs."

Two-time Grammy nominated guitarist, Sin Quirin, continues to forge epic percussive singles with his new band, Siglos.


Siglos features the transcendent strings of Sin Quirin, former Ministry band member of 15 years, and the demanding vocals of Pedro Sanchez from the band Transtorno. Their latest single, "Morir Para Vivir", is a rhythmic, explosive song reminiscent of tribal chants that harken to the band’s Latin heritage.


This song ramps up the bloodstream and differs from their first single in the undeniable heaviness it induces in listeners. The song was written by Sin Quirin, with lyrics written by Pedro Sanchez, and was produced, mixed, and mastered by Alex Crescioni at Stygian Sound. The video was directed by Matt Zane, DP/ Colorist James Smith. Cover artwork by Nestor Avalos. 







Sin Quirin wanted the second single to be different than the first and to showcase the range in the heaviness of the first song. The music video features the band enthralled in the song’s pulsating chords while a Shaman performs a ritualistic cleansing on lead vocalist Pedro Sanchez. “It was a pretty special, unique and enlightening experience for us all… having him perform this sacred ritual right there in front of us,” admits Quirin.





Lyricist and vocalist, Pedro Sanchez, revealed that the writing process took place during the loss of a family member and loved one, causing deep introspection and an ability to process things differently, lending a heavy hand to the song’s instant intensity and immediate attention. Pedro says, “The meaning to Morir Para Vivir is when you die, you leave a legacy of new generations and you keep living through them… as well as when you go through an experience and you die and come back, you kill your ego--coming back more alive than ever with great gratitude. We all have this knowledge; we just forget it.”


This sentiment is echoed by producer Alex Crescioni’s recording of the single. He says, “'Morir Para Vivir' knocks you in the face straight away with heavy industrial riffage, creating the circular mechanical hook of the track. My goal was to bring the mix to an explosive and grandiose level, enchanting the listener into an empire of evil and elegance.” 


Sin Quirin's first single / video "Por Los Siglos" was released this past March, and can be enjoyed below.








Praise for Sin Quirin and Siglos:


“Sin is a singularly unique talent, underrated guitar hero, and a key dynamic member of every project he's done, and I can't wait to hear what he does next! I know it's going to be stellar!" - Gary Holt


"Sin has been a solid back bone to everything he's been involved in and it's great to see him stepping out now to do his own thing. He is a true rockstar in every sense of the word." - David Ellefson


For further details, visit Siglos on Facebook.


 

The pioneers of Japanese heavy metal, Loudness, have released their new album, Sunburst, via earMUSIC. Available in 2CD digipak with an extensive booklet (including Japanese/English lyric translations) and digital, you can order the album here.


Even with a career that has been going strong for over 40 years, Loudness are not getting too tired to rock around the world and unleash their full power.


With the staccato, riff-driven "OEOEO", which is sung in their native language of Japanese, Loudness give praise and appreciation to their origin and roots, supported with pictures of some of Japan's most famous landmarks, such as Mount Fuji, Osaka Castle, or the Expo '70 Commemorative Park, which is where the 1970s world fair took place.




In particular, fans of guitar wizard Akira Takasaki will not be disappointed, as he shows his incomparable craft on the six-string with a performance that is second-to-none.





Back in 1981 rose the star of the Japanese hard ’n heavy scene, when Munetaka Higuchi (drums), Akira Takasaki (guitar), Minoru Niihara (vocals) and Masayoshi Yamashita (bass) were set to found a legend to this day, who is still second to none from their native Japan: Loudness was born!


During a career spanning over 40-years, Loudness built a rich musical foundation with many studio albums, EPs and live albums. With Sunburst, they’ve added another milestone to the great catalogue, their 29th studio album to be precise.


Sunburst is the band’s first official double studio album in their impressive career, making it particularly special as it can be considered a celebration of their rich musical history. The 16 songs represent the classic Loudness sound and style, highly acclaimed by fans and critics alike. Written mostly by original member and guitarist Akira Takasaki, the majority of songs are sung in Japanese, representing their appreciation of their origin and roots.





Tracklisting:


Disc 1:


"Rising Sun"
"OEOEO"
"Yamato Damashii"
"Kaso Genjitsu (Virtual Reality)"
"Crazy World"
"Stand Or Fall"
"The Sanzu River"
"Nihon No Kokoro (The Heart Of Japan)"


Disc 2:


"Kagayakeru 80's (Shining 80's)"
"Emerald No Umi (Emerald Ocean)"
"Tengoku No Tobira (Heaven's Door)"
"All Will Be Fine With You"
"Fire In The Sky"
"Hunger For More"
"The Nakigara"
"Wonderland"


"Hunger For More":

Stuttgart, Germany based melodic death metallers Credic have released a brand new music video for "The Mountains Between Us". The track is taken from the band's latest album, Vermillion Oceans, and features not only Credic's usual intense soundscapes, but also the legendary performer Olivia Jackson (Resident Evil). 





"The Mountains Between Us" is the grand finale in mastermind Thomas Kettner's video trilogy for Credic's album, Vermillion Oceans.




"It's a cinematic work of art starring the exceptional woman Olivia Jackson. A woman, a car, a mountain road and a banging song. Lean back and enjoy," comments the band.


With their sophomore album, Vermillion Oceans, released April 22nd via Swedish label Black Lion Records, Credic delivers a furious and wild, yet emotional metal Iliad. An epic brand of melodic death metal that is, despite upholding the very DNA of the genre, free and bold, charging with vigour and embellished by a monumental aura of longing not unlike the feeling you get when you gaze at the starlit sky in wonder and terror. Imagine a cross between Gothenburg metal and the score to Stranger Things, Vermillion Oceans sounds like a massive, zeitgeisty metal album taking a stroll through Hawkins, Indiana. The album is available now at this location.





Tracklisting:


"Tides Disharmonized" 
"Vermillion Oceans" 
"Darkened Fields" 
"The Path" 
"Interhuman Gravity" 
"Autumn's Spring"
"Chosen Ordeal" 
"The Mountains Between Us" 
"Tethys" 
"Long Street"








 

Maltese metal heads Align The Tide have unleashed "Unbreakable", the second track with video from their upcoming album, Hollow. The album will be released on August 26th, 2022 via Cleopatra Records.


"Unbreakable" is now available on all major streaming services and the video can be found below. "The track is more like an anthem of empowerment, touching on subjects such as inner strength, the tenacity to endure whatever life throws at him/her. To keep fighting no matter what," states Align The Tide.







"Hollow is a perfect transition into our new style as Align The Tide, still keeping the main elements but with a refined sound," states the band. "Expect heaviness, catchy choruses and in your face riffs that will make you dance. We decided to go with a topic such as ‘Mental Health’, in which most people go through on a daily basis. Each song has its own story that most people will relate to as some tracks are based on real life experiences as well as having concepts and stories."





Tracklisting:


"Hollow"
"Alive"
"Judgement"
"Psycho"
"Unbreakable"
"Arise"
"Twisted Caricature"
"The Cost"
"False Existence"
"Silence"


"Judgement" video:





 

The collaborative project, Outlanders, continue their series of releases with a new  single, "Land Of Sea And Sun", featuring ex-Megaderth guitarist Marty Friedman. Check out the song and a trailer for the forthcoming official video below.


The track is available via digital platforms found here.










Antigua is more or less the birthplace of Outlanders, and the inhabitants affectionately call it "Land Of Sea And Sun". Inspired by the name of the title and with the images, sounds, and smells of Antigua in mind, Tarja approached the songwriting differently this time, becoming herself the island of Antigua to tell the story in the song.


"Land Of Sea And Sun" is the fifth of eight singles and is also available as a limited edition 7" vinyl exclusively on Tarja's online store and digitally on earMUSIC.


Side A
"Land of Sea and Sun" (Feat. Marty Friedman)


Side B
"Land of Sea and Sun" (demo)

Melbourne-based death-metal heavyweights Hadal Maw have just released a cover version of Cannibal Corpse's crushing anthem "Scourge Of Iron" from the band's 2012 album, Torture.


“Cannibal Corpse are true masters of the genre, always delivering infectious riffs that level bands half their age. I grew up on CC and everything from the outrageous lyrics, crushing live shows and that startling album art made it a death metal event to collect and attend. 'Scourge Of Iron' has always stayed firm in my pre-show pump up playlist, a phenomenal hook and great windmilling soundtrack. From the moment that riff kicks in… I challenge you not to headbang along with a shit eating grin.” - Sam Dillon, Hadal Maw vocalist.







Compare with the original:





After seething and conjuring during the Covid-19 lockdowns, Hadal Maw returned in late 2021 with their most vicious material to date, Oblique Order, a four-track EP that delves further into the more visceral aspect of their sound and composition while maintaining the technical wizardry that the band established on previous releases. 


Oblique Order artwork and tracklisting:





"Fetishize Consumption" 
"Oblique Order" 
"Future Eaters" 
"Vile Veneration"








 

Metal vets, Trauma, have released a video for "Walk Away", the first single from the band's upcoming new album. Watch below.


Says Trauma about the song: "There are a lot of different elements to this song, musically with dynamics and tempo changes, lots of harmony guitars and blistering drums. It's a long song that has so many interesting parts - it never gets boring or repetitive. Lyrically this song explores the never-ending conflict in the Middle East."







"Walk Away" is featured on Trauma's upcoming album, Awakening, which promises to be a lot heavier than its predecessors, and will be a feast for every metal fan!


Awakening will be released on September 9 via Massacre Records, and will available as CD Digipak, limited edition vinyl LP as well as in digital formats, you can already pre-order it here.





Tracklisting:


"Walk Away"
"Ted Talks"
"Death Of The Angel"
"Meat"
"The River Red"
"Burn"
"Falling Down"
"Voodoo"
"End Of Everything"
"Blind"
"Death Machine"


In other band news, Trauma make their in concert performance debut promoting the forthcoming album release at The Alcatraz Festival, taking place in Kortrijk, Belgium, with a scheduled performance for Sunday, August 14 from 4 - 4:50 PM on the Helldorado Stage.


(Photo - Bill Towner, Red Nova Digital)

San Francisco-based atmospheric technical death metal giants, Fallujah, will release their new studio album, Empyrean, on September 9 via Nuclear Blast. The band have released a lyric video for the single, "Embrace Oblivion", featuring Katie Thompson. Watch below.


Commenting on the single, vocalist Kyle Schaefer recently revealed: "'Embrace Oblivion' is about accepting change on a personal level, and trusting in your ability to adapt and grow from events that may seem destructive in the short-term. Sometimes we need to break down our own established structures in order to build something better in their place."







Find Empyrean pre-orders here.





Tracklisting:


“The Bitter Taste Of Clarity”
“Radiant Ascension”
“Embrace Oblivion”
“Into The Eventide”
“Eden’s Lament”
“Soulbreaker”
“Duality Of Intent”
“Mindless Omnipotent Master”
“Celestial Resonance”
“Artifacts”


"Embrace Oblivion" visualizer:





“Radiant Ascension” video:





Fallujah will return to the road this coming fall for The Divine Ascension Tour with Australian tech-death co-headliners, Psycroptic, Additional support will be provided by Interloper and Cognitive. Tickets are available now.


Commenting on the tour, founding guitarist and songwriter Scott Carstairs states: "This fall, Fallujah will return to unleash an atmospheric onslaught upon the masses. To say that we are excited to headline with Psycroptic would be an understatement. We have never been more ready to tear up North America…not only to bring you one of the most extreme tech death lineups of the year but also to perform for you NEW music from our record Empyrean!! Let's rage!"





Tour dates:


September
11 - West Hollywood, CA - Whisky-A-Go-Go
12 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Underground
13 - El Paso, TX - Rockhouse Bar & Grill
14 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
15 - Lawrence, KS - The Bottleneck
16 - Austin, TX - Come And Take It Live
17 - Dallas, TX - Amplified Live
18 - Houston, TX - Acadia
20 - Orlando, FL - The Haven
21 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade (Purgatory)
22 - Spartanburg, SC - Ground Zero
23 - Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery
24 - Clifton, NJ - Dingbatz
26 - Providence, RI - Alchemy
27 - Quebec City, QC - Source de la Martiniere
28 - Montreal, QC - Foufounes Electriques
29 - Ottawa, ON - Brass Monkey
30 - Albany, NY - Empire Underground


October
1 - Pittsburgh, PA - Preserving Underground
2 - Cleveland, OH - Cleveland Masonic (Asylum)
3 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
4 - Minneapolis, MN - The Cabooze
5 - Winnipeg, MB - Park Theater
6 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
7 - Calgary, AB - Dickens
8 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room
10 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theater
11 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
12 - Portland, OR - Bossanova Ballroom
13 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst
14 - Fresno, CA - Full Circle Brewery District
15 - Santa Ana, CA - Stages


(Photo - Stephanie Cabral)

Ronnie James Dio's former wife and longtime manager Wendy Dio says that the hologram of the legendary metal singer was an "experiment" that received a mixed response from the Ronnie fans.

Dio died in 2010 at the age of 67 from stomach cancer. The singer's hologram was created by a company called Eyellusion and made its debut at the Wacken Open Air festival in August 2016 in front of more than 75,000 fans.

The Dio hologram production used audio of Ronnie's live performances from throughout his career, with the DIO band playing live, consisting of Craig Goldy on guitar, Simon Wright on drums and Scott Warren on keyboards, along with Bjorn Englen on bass. Also appearing with them were ex-JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens and former LYNCH MOB frontman Oni Logan.

Wendy discussed the status of the Ronnie James Dio hologram during an appearance on a recent episode of the "The Rockman Power Hour" online show, where she was joined by Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO). She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It was an experiment that we did. It was 50/50 — some people hated it; some people loved it. It was something we did. I don't wanna do it again. This time now I'm gonna do real Ronnie. I've got all this video footage from RAINBOW and some [BLACK] SABBATH and DIO and even some ELF stuff, and I wanna put that together with a live band and take that out. 'Cause I think that'll be something that kids will really wanna see — stuff that they've never seen before as well."

Wendy previously discussed the status of the Ronnie James Dio hologram during a September 2021 appearance on an episode of the "Hangin' & Bangin': Artists On Lockdown" online show. Speaking about how her reaction to the hologram evolved over the years, she said: "When I first saw it, I cried. Then I got used to it because it wasn't Ronnie. And then we took it out [on tour]. The first [version] was not that good. The second one was a lot better. But I decided that I don't wanna do it anymore; I decided I want real Ronnie. So we're working on a stage with the DIO band. Instead of having a hologram, it will have film of Ronnie with the live band playing and with special effects and everything else. So that's what we're working on. We're working on it with Paul Dexter [who was Ronnie's lighting designer and stage designer for years] and a bunch of other people. And also the Eyellusion people, who did do the hologram, are doing a bunch of special effects for us with it."

Wendy continued: "I never say never [about bringing back the hologram], but technology gets different every day, every day, every day. And I just decided that I wanted to see real Ronnie. … QUEEN does [something similar, using footage of Freddie Mercury]. Ours will be a little bit different to that because we have all these great effects, 3D effects. It's almost like going into — what's that ride at Disneyland, when you go through, and it's like a 3D effect? That's what we're working on right now."

Two former DIO guitarists have publicly expressed their doubts about the Ronnie James Dio hologram. In December 2019, Tracy "G" Grijalva, who played for DIO from 1993 through 1999, said that the hologram "looks creepy" and resembles "a puppet." Nine months earlier, Doug Aldrich, who was in DIO between 2002 and 2006, told XS Rock that "Ronnie would probably not" like the hologram. "He would probably be, like, 'This is not what I signed up for.' A hologram? It's not really what he would want to be. I'm just guessing, you know, that it's something that Wendy thought about and she decided that Ronnie would be fine with it. But I knew Ronnie well enough to know that he was very particular and he would prefer for them to let him just die and be in peace."

After the "Dio Returns" tour's initial seven-date run was completed in December 2017, Ronnie's hologram underwent some changes before the launch of the 2019 leg of the trek, which took place in May and June of that year.

The "Dio Returns" 17-song set consisted of seven tunes sung by the Dio hologram — the rest featured Owens and Logan separately or together — and encompassed material from Dio's lengthy career, including his earlier days in RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH.

A few years ago, Wendy told Patch.com that critics of the Dio hologram were "entitled to their opinion. I just ask that people come and see the show first before criticizing," she said. "We got a lot of flak in the beginning but I think more and more people are getting used to it. It's for the fans. It's for the fans who would love to see Ronnie back up on the stage and the ones that never got a chance to see him. I think Ronnie would approve. If anybody saw the 'Sacred Heart' tour in 1986 we tried to make a hologram then. We had Ronnie in a crystal ball hanging from the stage talking through it. Also he was an innovator in music, so why not be an innovator in technology."

In 2020, TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick, who toured with Ronnie on two separate occasions a decade and a half apart — in 1992 when Dio fronted BLACK SABBATH and again in 2008 when Ronnie was the singer of SABBATH offshoot band HEAVEN & HELL — offered his opinion on the Dio hologram on Twitter, writing: "I don't believe in those hologram shows. It would be one thing if the artist was still alive, chose not to tour for whatever reason, gave his or her approval & maybe even had a hand in the process. But Dio had no say." Skolnick also added a thumbs-down emoji as a way of voicing his disapproval.

DISTURBED frontman David Draiman said in a 2016 interview that he had mixed feelings about concerts featuring the Dio hologram. He said about the prospect of seeing a holographic version of Ronnie: "It makes me sad. I'm always happy to hear any music from anybody that's left us, that we've lost. But I don't know… The hologram thing, to me, it almost isn't letting the dead be dead." He added, "It just seems weird... Is there a difference between a hologram and a guy dressing up like Ronnie James and doing it?"

Titan Books has partnered with the newly launched AMC Networks Publishing on Shudder's "Creepshow: From Script To Scream", an official behind-the-scenes book featuring the spine-tingling stories and tantalizing talent behind "Creepshow", the hit anthology series from Greg Nicotero ("The Walking Dead") and produced by Cartel Entertainment, the studio for the TV series.

Featuring a foreword by legendary storyteller Stephen King and an afterword by horror aficionado Kirk Hammett, METALLICA's lead guitarist, "Creepshow: From Script To Scream" (October 25, 2022) dives deep into the riveting origins, gripping development, provocative production, and sinister special effects of the television show.

The book was written by Dennis L. Prince, designed by John J. Hill, edited by Meredith Borders, and co-produced by Julia Hobgood. The deal was brokered by Striker Entertainment.

"I grew up wearing down my fingertips paging through books on the making of my favorite movies," said Nicotero. "I was ravenous to learn the behind-the-scenes secrets. So, I'm excited to be able to present a glimpse behind the making of this epic show!"

The book also features all-new comic art chapter openings and a full-spread illustrated poster revealing the magic and mayhem that makes "Creepshow" such frightfully great fun. The Standard Edition available everywhere books are sold will feature a brand new cover by Gary Pullin, while the Exclusive Edition available only through AMCNP.com will feature a cover by Sanjulian.

"This jam-packed, behind-the-scenes 'Creepshow' book is perfect for fans of the show, as well as anyone passionate about horror entertainment and aspiring filmmakers and FX artists," said Mike Zagari, head of AMC Networks Publishing. "The collaboration between Greg Nicotero, the 'Creepshow' series cast and crew, which are overseen by Monster Agency Productions, Stephen King, Kirk Hammett, the George A. Romero Foundation and many other talented individuals, exceeded all expectations!"

"Creepshow" has been heralded as "an irresistibly macabre package," (Slant magazine) and "an undeniable love letter to all generations of horror fans," (CBR),and over three seasons, has been one of the most watched programs on Shudder. While the book focuses on the television show, it also contains imagery and anecdotes from the original "Creepshow" film, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this November.

Nicotero is an executive producer, director, and special effects makeup supervisor and designer who cofounded The KNB EFX Group, Inc., the longest-running effects house in Hollywood.

Kirk Hammett photo by Ross Halfin