British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have shared a video recap of their "The Future Past Tour". Check out the two-and-a-half-minute clip below.

MAIDEN said: " Thank you to everyone around the world for making 'The Future Past Tour' one that we’ll never forget!"

IRON MAIDEN kicked off the North American leg of kicking off their highly anticipated "The Future Past Tour" on October 4 at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in San Diego, treating the packed amphitheatre to an explosive two-hour, high-energy set. From the incendiary show opener "Caught Somewhere In Time", the band captivated the audience with a set that seamlessly moved through the "The Future Past" with songs such as "The Time Machine" and "Hell On Earth" from MAIDEN's most recent acclaimed studio album "Senjutsu".

Fan favorites like "The Prisoner", "Fear Of The Dark" and their iconic single "The Trooper", plus songs from their 1986 seminal album "Somewhere In Time", including the worldwide hit single "Wasted Years", alongside the likes of "Heaven Can Wait", "Stranger In A Strange Land" and the legendary "Alexander The Great" were performed throughout the night, all of which have been delighting fans around the world.

"The Future Past Tour" played to over a million fans at more than 70 jam-packed shows across Europe, Australia and Japan and sold-out arenas across North America. Featuring one of the most spectacular stage productions of the band's career, it has received rave reviews in every city and country that IRON MAIDEN visited.

IRON MAIDEN's longtime drummer Nicko McBrain played his last-ever gig with the band this past weekend in São Paulo, Brazil.

The 72-year-old British musician, whose real name is Michael Henry McBrain, announced his retirement on Saturday, December 7 in a statement on MAIDEN's web site and social media. He also said that night's concert at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil would mark his final show with the iconic heavy metal act.

Despite the fact that he is stepping away from touring, McBrain said that he will remain closely connected to IRON MAIDEN and continue to be involved in "a variety of projects" with the band, while also focusing on personal ventures and his existing businesses.

On Sunday (December 8),IRON MAIDEN announced Simon Dawson as its new touring drummer. Dawson is a former session drummer and MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris's longtime bandmate in BRITISH LION.

Saturday's performance marked the the final show of IRON MAIDEN's "The Future Past" world tour, which began in May 2023.

MAIDEN will return to the road in 2025 for the "Run For Your Lives" world tour, which is scheduled to launch in May.

Photo by: John McMurtrie

Earlier this year, the reunited expanded classic lineup of German power metallers HELLOWEEN signed with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) for the release of their next studio album. The band entered the studio this past summer to begin work on the follow-up to 2021's acclaimed self-titled effort, with plans to issue the LP in 2025.

HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske spoke to Australia's The Rockpit about the progress of the new LP recording sessions, saying (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're working on it. We're right on it. We're getting this done. I will be flying to Tenerife [Spain] 3rd of January to start working on vocals [at Mi Sueño Studio, owned by HELLOWEEN co-vocalist Andi Deris], trying to figure out vocal parts. Sometimes they still have to do lyrics, but then figuring out who does what and trying things out. I'm looking forward to it, because it's really cold and gray and dark here [in Germany] at the moment. So I don't mind flying over there for a couple of weeks."

Earlier this month, Deris was asked by The Metal Command how the material for HELLOWEEN's next album compares to that on "Helloween". He said: "I'd say it's much more easy listening, because there's less constructed stuff on it. It's more flowing with the wind, so to say. It's very, very positive, so I would rather say it's more happy, happy HELLOWEEN than the other album. I think it's a bit more… yeah, the flow is, for my taste, not as edgy as the last album, which was cool — I like edgy stuff — but we should have more or less some counterpart to edgy, more exhausting things. The last album, for me, was great to listen through — it was edgy, it was heavy, it was complicated here and there — but after listening to it, then I needed a pause. It was exhausting. After [listening to 'Helloween'], I needed some break, put it that way. I loved it, and I still love it, but it's demanding. I think the next album will be much more easy listening, I think much more enjoyable to sing along [to]; there are lots of parts in there. So I would rather describe it as a more happy, happy HELLOWEEN album. That would be the best description."

Andi continued: "It's hard to describe, because there are lots of speedy and heavy things on it. But when I listen through it, I feel good. I mean, that's a good sign. Not that I felt bad when I listened to the last album — that's not what I mean. It's fun. I listen to it, and it's fun. Definitely."

Regarding what he and his HELLOWEEN bandmates learned from the making of "Helloween" that they improved upon this time around, Andi said: "Yeah, I think the main keyword would be confidence. The last album, we had to get to know each other in that new setup, lineup, how to work with [each other], how to work here and blah, blah, blah, and this time we just realized, okay, actually everybody has such great ideas; just don't control each other. We don't need to actually stick in a studio for pre-production for two months because everybody did it for himself. Let's just listen to it and say, 'Wow, cool.' So this time we've been some lazy backs, actually, and just said, you know, pre-production we just do ourselves back at home, everybody in his own studio, and we just take the technique we are given. Internet is great, and you can have live sessions online, and that made life so much easier because everybody is just relieved that you [are] still at home. You still work hard, but you're at home. And as we all know, when you're at home, work doesn't hurt that much as being back in the studio again somewhere in the world, but not with your family. And nowadays you can actually have your family life, you have your eight, nine hours per day in the studio, you yourself decide when you make a break or when you go and have a meal with your lady or go down to the beach, in my case. That makes life so much easier and much more enjoyable than sitting in a fricking studio again and again and again, each and every day for two months, just for a pre-production, which you could easily do at home together. So this time, I have to say there's confidence that we earned for each other that helped a lot to make things even more easygoing. And I think that's exactly what you listen, when you go through the songs and you listen to them — you feel that easiness: 'Wow. Wow. Okay, cool.' I love it. So that's the way to go."

He then clarified: "I don't wanna say that I want to be back at home when I'm on tour. So I hate the idea of laser shows or something like that. As long as I can walk, I want to be on stage. But production-wise, I have to say I love the technique we have nowadays."

Regarding how HELLOWEEN has managed to pull off the seemingly impossible by keeping all seven members of the band happy — returning singer Michael Kiske and guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen along with Deris, guitarists Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Grosskopf and drummer Daniel Löble — Andi said: "I think the only thing you need to accept [is] that you are different people. I think that's the main problem we had back in the days because everybody actually expected the other to be and react and have the same opinion [as] yourself. And when you are realizing, okay, we are all different people, so you have to accept that everybody probably has a different point of view, at least a millimeter to the left or millimeter to right. And you have to sit down and actually find a compromise. If you accept that everybody is different, that's not a bad thing. You just have to accept that you yourself may fail here and there, and maybe the other one is right. And when you're getting older, you have decades of comparisons, and you realize, 'Okay, here I fucked up, there I fucked up, here I wasn't right, here I wasn't right.' You need that experience, and when you have that, you are a little bit more humble, because you know you did things wrong or you know you haven't been right back in the days here and there and blah, blah, blah. So, if you take that at a base, everything works out fine. And you just sit down with that knowledge and try to find a solution, which is good enough for all here in the room. And, yeah, that went down super the last few years, I mean, no problem at all. Even if somebody was pissed off, completely pissed off for whatever reason, again, that somebody did not react like he did back in the days, like with aggression or something like that, but in normal words and said, 'Hey, I have a little problem here. You said this and that and blah, blah, blah. And how did you mean that?' And then here comes the explanation and you go, like, 'Oh, okay, all good. Thanks.'"

Upon its release in June 2021, "Helloween" landed in the Top 10 in more than 10 countries, including Germany, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria. The cover artwork for the LP was painted by artist Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with HATEBREED, SOULFLY, TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH and SODOM, among others.

Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the last HELLOWEEN LP was recorded in part at the H.O.M.E. Studios in Hamburg (where everything started in 1984). The same recording console used for such HELLOWEEN albums as "Master Of The Rings", "Time Of The Oath" and "Better Than Raw" was utilized to record the band's new material. The effort was mixed at the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, RAMMSTEIN).

"Helloween" saw the legendary German power metallers going "back to the roots," with the band recording fully analog and Löble playing the drum kit previously used by HELLOWEEN's original drummer, the late Ingo Schwichtenberg, on the legendary "Keeper Of The Seven Keys" recordings.

HELLOWEEN will release a new live album, "Live At Budokan", on December 13, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The colossal effort immortalizes HELLOWEEN's September 16, 2023 performance at Tokyo's legendary Nippon Budokan.

"Live At Budokan" will be available in a plethora of formats: 2CD-digipak and 3LP vinyl in trifold with the first print run of both coming as "deluxe edition" including embossed cover artwork, as well as Blu-ray, DVD and digital. Each version is meticulously crafted to suit the metal community's diverse tastes, ensuring every fan can relive the raw, unfiltered energy of HELLOWEEN in their preferred medium.

This release celebrates the grand finale of HELLOWEEN's epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band's undying appeal, the sold-out concert in Tokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle.

ENVY OF NONE, the band featuring Alex Lifeson (RUSH),Andy Curran (CONEY HATCH),Alfio Annibalini and singer Maiah Wynne, has released a new single, "Under The Stars".

Curran stated about the track: "Alf and I toiled over this one for months and really felt, even at its rough demo stage, that we had something special. We left a ton of space for Maiah in the verses and there's such a cool mood shift when the chorus hits. Joe Vitale's drum track and percussion added an almost trance-like vibe and the icing on the cake is an unmistakable Alex guitar solo. I'm a romantic at heart and the message here is universal. Soul mates, 'two against the world!'"

The single is accompanied by a stunning new video created by Olivier Boscovitch. Check it out below.

ENVY OF NONE previously released another new single, "Not Dead Yet" in October. Speaking on the song's meaning, Maiah, who penned the lyrics, shared that it was inspired by Andy's raw chorus line: "I'm not dead yet, come on along and see what I am good for." She describes the track as a cathartic anthem, one that embodies resilience and defiance against the forces that aim to tear us down. "You have to continue to exist, to create, and to fight. That's the heart of the song: keep going and enjoy the ride." The single is accompanied by a video inspired by the Mexican Dia De Los Muertos 'Day Of The Dead' holiday.

As the band blends their dynamic soundscapes, "Not Dead Yet" unfolds as a layered journey, driving forward with tight rhythms and Alex Lifeson's legendary guitar lines. The breakdown, Wynne's favorite part, is the song's emotional peak, offering listeners a moment of release before launching back into its resilient conclusion. The mix, by Annibalini, coupled with Harry Hess's mastering, guarantees that every element shines with clarity and force.

ENVY OF NONE is:

Alf Annibalini - Guitar, Keyboards
Andy Curran - Bass Guitar, Background Vocals, Guitar
Alex Lifeson - Guitar, Mandola, Oud,
Maiah Wynne - Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Keyboards

ENVY OF NONE is busy in the studio putting the finishing touches on its next album and the follow-up to 2022's self-titled debut, expected in spring 2025.

Photo credit: Richard Sibbald

Josh Rand, guitarist for Grammy Award-winning metal band STONE SOUR, is selling a truly one-of-a-kind collection of guitars on Reverb, the largest online marketplace dedicated to music gear. The assortment of rare and vintage guitars — which includes custom shop items and axes signed by Sting, Munky from KORN, John Petrucci of DREAM THEATER, Paul Stanley of KISS, and more — are now available in the official Josh Rand Reverb shop.

Formed in the '90s by SLIPKNOT's Corey Taylor, STONE SOUR released their self-titled debut in 2022, receiving critical acclaim and Grammy nominations, in addition to a number of charting singles. The band's follow-up, "Come What(ever) May", raised the bar, earning the band another Grammy nomination for the single "30/30-150", while the singles "Through Glass" and "Sillyworld" reached No. 1 and No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock charts, respectively. The next decade would see continued success for STONE SOUR, before the band went on hiatus in 2020. Throughout STONE SOUR's run, Rand worked on a number of other projects, including MOONSHOT and THE L.I.F.E. PROJECT, which released an EP in 2021. Now, Rand is parting ways with dozens of guitars amassed throughout his storied career.

"My store is going to consist of 26 guitars and five basses. 90% of these instruments are custom shop signature models from other artists spanning over three decades," said Rand.

Among the incredible selection of guitars available in the official Josh Rand Reverb shop is a 1997 Gibson Ace Frehley Custom Shop Les Paul — one of just 300 made, but one of three rare instruments from the band that taught you how to "rock and roll all night and party every day." In addition to the Les Paul, official Josh Rand Reverb shop also features a signed 1996 Gene Simmons "Punisher" bass sold directly to Rand from Simmons, and a '90s build Ibanez PS-10 signed by Paul Stanley.

Additional items available in official Josh Rand Reverb shop include:

* A Fender Custom Shop "Yngwie Malmsteen" Duck signed by Malmsteen. Limited to just 100 pieces, each of these rare guitars were supposed to be built by masterbuilder John Cruz. However, in order to meet deadlines, Rand's guitar was one of just six built by masterbuilder Yuri Shishkov.

* A 2010 ESP Jeff Hanneman Signature Series in Urban Camo. Said Rand: "At first glance, you might ask yourself, 'Well that looks the same as all the other ones,' but if you take a closer look, what makes this one specifically unique is it has a Floyd Rose instead of the Kahler. It also has the SLAYER eagle logo instead of the H Hanneman logo."

* An Ibanez Prestige 12-string. "Although this has a prestige neck on it, it was actually built during the L.A. custom shop for me to use during the recording of 'Hydrograd'," said Rand.

* A Gibson Museum 70th Anniversary John Lennon.

* A 2013 Fender "Sting" Artist Series Precision Bass signed by Sting.

* A 1963 Ibanez PGM. Rand said: "As a guitar collector, when you get the opportunity to buy one of your heroes' guitars, you just must do it. That's the case with this guitar. When the opportunity arose to buy one of Paul Gilbert's guitars used to record a RACER X project, I just couldn't turn it down. After being on display at my house, I've decided it's time for someone else to enjoy it."

* A 2017 Ibanez Apex-20 signed by Munky from KORN.

* An EVH 78' Eruption. One of just 40 made worldwide, with custom-made, period correct G&G. This guitar comes with the following items:

- '78 chain strap * 3-in-One oil can
- Two packs of '70s-era Fender Super Bullets strings in recreated packaging
- Van Halen '70s tortoiseshell picks
- Backstage Pass vinyl cloth sticker on the case plus one unused sticker inside
- Exclusive Eruption Collector's Booklet

* A 2008 JSBDG "Black Dog." Limited to just 88 ever made, and built by Ibanez's Sugi Custom Shop.

To shop the guitars available in official Josh Rand Reverb shop, click here.

Reverb is the largest online marketplace dedicated to music gear. Since launching in 2013, Reverb has helped millions of music makers find the perfect piece of gear from its trusted community of music shops, top brands, and other music makers around the world. Built by musicians and gear lovers, Reverb combines one of the largest selections of musical instruments with tools to help music makers find music gear that fits within their budget. Sales on Reverb help support Reverb Gives, which provides youth music programs with musical instruments. Reverb is a subsidiary within the Etsy, Inc. "House of Brands" portfolio.

In a new interview with Robert Cavuoto of Myglobalmind, QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist Michael Wilton spoke about a possible follow-up to the band's 2022 album "Digital Noise Alliance". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): " Yeah, we have submitted a bunch of demos to each other, and we're working on that. We hope to get Zeuss [Chris Harris], the producer, to do this one. But, basically, we're in a situation of touring now post-pandemic, where the bands have to tour a lot. And we do a lot of fly dates as well. So it's hard to pick a certain amount of time to get another album done. But we are gonna do another one. And hopefully we can get it started or recorded in 2025."

Wilton also talked about the 1997 departure of original QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist Chris DeGarmo. Asked if it was a "big blow" to the band when Chris left QUEENSRŸCHE to embark on his new career as a pilot, Michael said: "Yeah, I think we had reached a certain peak at that point. And he was looking for a change of pace. I mean, you could see in the last album he wrote — he was talking about flying a lot. So he literally started going to school for flying, and to this day that's what he's doing. But, yeah, I think we needed some time to just kind of refresh and see if we could go on without him. But anyway, we gave it our best shot, and it took a while. And now you've got all these different versions of the band throughout our career. But Chris and I were great writing partners. We just kind of knew what each other was thinking when we would write double solos or write parts for songs and just bounce ideas off each other. So, those were great times. But, yeah, it just kind of burned itself out. But we're doing great right now. We're having a great time and still playing the old stuff but playing the new stuff as well."

QUEENSRŸCHE performed the band's 1983 EP and 1984's "The Warning" album in their entirety as part of "The Origins Tour".

"Digital Noise Alliance" came out in October 2022 via Century Media. The record was once again helmed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, who previously worked with QUEENSRŸCHE on 2015's "Condition Hüman" and 2019's "The Verdict" LPs.

Guitarist Mike Stone, who rejoined QUEENSRŸCHE in 2021, contributed guitar solos to the band's latest studio album.

Since late May 2021, Stone has been handling second-guitar duties in QUEENSRŸCHE, which announced in July 2021 that longtime guitarist Parker Lundgren was exiting the group to focus on "other business ventures."

Stone originally joined QUEENSRŸCHE for the 2003 album "Tribe" and stayed with the band for six years before leaving the group.

For the past seven and a half years, drummer Casey Grillo has been filling in for original QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield, who stepped away from the band's touring activities in early 2017 to spend time with his young son.

In October 2021, Rockenfield filed a lawsuit against Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson, alleging, among other things, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and wrongful discharge. A few months later, Wilton and Jackson filed a countersuit against Rockenfield, accusing him of abandoning his position as a member of the band and misappropriating the group's assets to his own personal benefit. That dispute has since been settled out of court.

Wilton released his solo album, "Volume 1", on December 6 via Rat Pak Records.

In May 2022, Mark Tremonti — guitarist/singer-songwriter/founding member of the rock bands CREED, ALTER BRIDGE and TREMONTI — released a collection of Sinatra covers to support NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society). "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" was made available as part of a new charity initiative created by Tremonti called Take A Chance For Charity. Proceeds from the album will go to support NDSS and the work they do to advocate for and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Mark and his family were blessed to welcome their first daughter Stella in March 2021 — who was born with Down syndrome — and the idea for the project was born.

In a new interview with producer and YouTuber Rick Beato, Tremonti stated about "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's one of the things I'm most proud of in my entire career. It's been the most gratifying, satisfying thing. I always tell people, I could have recorded a thousand rock records before some of the people that heard this and commented on it would have ever taken notice. I remember Slash [of GUNS N' ROSES] gave us a great quote. He loved it. And Paul Stanley from KISS was online talking about it. And I remember one day I was on tour in Europe. And I had a bad day. I forget what it was. I was just kind of in a rotten mood. And I get off stage and I pick up my phone, and it's my buddy Tom Robb. And he's security for Robert Plant [of LED ZEPPELIN] and METALLICA. He's just an awesome guy, a good friend of mine. He's, like, 'I gotta tell you, I was taking Robert [Plant] to Bonnaroo, and I played him your Frank Sinatra CD, and he loved it.' I'm, like, 'What? Robert Plant listened to my Sinatra thing?' And, of course, I'm trying to promote it, so I'm, like, "Could you get a quote for me?' I never got the quote, but just to know that Robert Plant listened to it and enjoyed it… When would that have happened with anything I've ever done?"

Regarding how the idea for "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" came about, Mark said: "I was just practicing singing like Frank Sinatra 'cause I loved it, just like a young guitar player would. It would be like me practicing jazz and knowing that I'm never gonna write a jazz song. But when we got the diagnosis that my daughter was gonna be born with Down syndrome, I'm, like, 'I wanna do this record and do it for charity.' So I called my manager, Tim, and I said, 'Let's call some local musicians and put a band together.' He's, like, 'How about we do something better? My guitar teacher was Frank Sinatra's guitar player on tour.' So he set up a meeting with Dan McIntyre, his guitar player, and Mike Smith, Frank Sinatra's alto sax player and one of his band leaders. And they had lunch, and he told 'em what I wanted to do. [And they said], 'Well, can your boy sing?' And Tim had never heard me sing Frank Sinatra. So I'm, like, in my bathroom singing ['Luck Be A Lady']. And I sent him a clip of it, and they set up a studio session. We were just gonna do two songs to see how it worked out. And one of the most difficult things was really convincing the Sinatra family and the business to let us do this. And when they heard it, they liked it. And they said pretty much, 'You have to do your own arrangements, though. We just don't want the old arrangements.' It's like you're going to drink a Coke, but it's not a Coke, kind of a thing. So we took 'My Way' and changed it. We took 'I Fall In Love Too Easily' and added a rhythm section. And we took half the record and changed it.

"It's crazy when you're in the studio with these guys," Mark continued. "Imagine a room about this big and you have 17 brass instruments in there. And when I'm first meeting these guys, Mike calls me in, and I chose the song that the vocals set the rhythm for the song. All the other songs you can start with the music, but 'Luck Be A Lady' starts with the vocal. 'They call you lady luck, but there is room for doubt.' So I set the pace. So I'm in there having to do that, first meeting these folks. But I had fun. I loved it."

When "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" was first announced, Tremonti said in a statement: "For years, I've loved singing along to Frank's songs. One night, I found an old video of him performing 'The Song Is You' from 1944. It made me want to dive into his vocal approach. I was all in and I wanted to do something with it. When we found out about our daughter Stella's Down syndrome diagnosis, the stars aligned. My obsession with Sinatra had its reason. Frank Sinatra raised more than a billion dollars for charity and that is a fact I wish the public the public knew more about. Beneath his cool and calm persona, he had a big heart. Doing this charity in his name was another way the stars had aligned. I decided to do this record to raise funds for families and individuals with Down syndrome. This project is the start of a new purpose that I will have for the rest of my life."

Tremonti came together with surviving members of Frank Sinatra's orchestra, creating new takes on some of the classics and some deeper cuts from Frank's catalog. From the opening horns and piano of "I've Got You Under My Skin" to final vocal outro of "All Or Nothing At All", Tremonti showcases the signature vocal approach and exemplary musicianship that made Sinatra's work timeless. To see his vision through, Mark reached out to Sinatra's musical director Mike Smith who collected as many remaining members as possible of Frank's touring band to record the music for "Tremonti Sings Sinatra". Popular standards like "I've Got The World On A String", "My Way" and "That's Life" find new life in the hands of these incredible musicians. Tremonti — known for his guitar work that has won him countless accolades — leaves the instrument behind and just sings on the 14-track album. The artwork on the album cover is an original painting that Tremonti created especially for this project.

Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann

In a new interview with Sean P McKenna, host of "Rimshots With Sean" on Barstools And Bandtalk, bassist Phil Soussan, who played on Ozzy Osbourne's "The Ultimate Sin" album and was credited with co-writing one of Ozzy's biggest hits, "Shot In The Dark", spoke about the way artists collect revenue from new, non-traditional sources. He said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think that the structure for monetizing music has changed. So, at one time, I think, we used to give you a, 'Here, have a free lighter,' 'Have a free headband,' 'Have a free baseball cap,' 'Here's a cheap concert ticket. Come to our gig, and then please go buy the record.' Now, what we do is we give you the record and say, 'Here, come to our show. Buy a baseball cap. Buy a lighter. Buy a t-shirt. Buy an expensive concert ticket.' So, we've really changed the monetization for it. And the music has become effectively a loss leader. You're not really expecting to make that money from the music directly; you're gonna make it from merchandise, you're gonna make it from concert tickets. In a way, that might be more pure, because you cannot duplicate or replicate a live concert experience. You can't bootleg it. You have to go. And that's what it's brought the focus back to, is to the live show."

Asked if he thinks there will ever be a point where it's going to come back around and musicians will be able to earn more money from their music, Soussan said: "I don't know. If it does come around, it'll come around before we even know it. But I can't see how it will come back to selling music because at this point now people have new music… You go to South America. In South America, nobody buys any music anymore — it's all Spotify, it's all streaming services. Once people have access to the music they want to hear, there's no real need to buy it. The only exception is from a collector's standpoint. So vinyl or autographed CDs as collector's items and stuff like that. We do a terrific amount of business with both of those things, for obvious reasons… So you get that kind of stuff, that kind of activity. I don't know that it's going to all go back to something like that again. I would hope that they manage to figure, 'cause I'm not involved with the Recording Academy anymore, but that somebody manages to take the battle on that can allow us to have a little bit of extra revenue."

Phil continued: "When I see the CEOs of Spotify raising rates, raising subscription rates, taking huge amounts of compensation, and then their stock price actually soaring as well on top of it. I think that they've got sufficient funds to be able to sort of pay us a little bit more.

"When all of this started, the debate was, 'Look, we're starting this new kind of conceptual business, but we need a reduced rate in order that we could get off ourselves off the ground.' And the music community is always willing to help someone else. [It] cut them a great deal. Well, you know what? It never went back. It was never readdressed. In fact, the discussions afterwards were, 'We're paying you too much.' … So, I would like to see a little bit more consideration and assistance from that community towards us, towards us as musicians."

Soussan joined LAST IN LINE in 2016 following the passing of the band's original bassist, Jimmy Bain.

Phil made his live debut with LAST IN LINE in April 2016 at Count's Vamp'd Rock Bar & Grill in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Prior to Soussan joining LAST IN LINE, he and singer Andrew Freeman had played together in the acclaimed Las Vegas rock and roll production "Raiding The Rock Vault". In addition, Phil and LAST IN LINE drummer Vinny Appice had done a number of shows together as members of the all-star jam band BIG NOIZE.

Named by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records "the most underrated bass player in the rock/blues world," Soussan he has played with a who's who of artists including Jimmy Page, BEGGARS & THIEVES, Johnny Hallyday, Steve Lukather and Edgar Winter. As a songwriter, he wrote music for Vince Neil's first solo album "Exposed" and Lukatherʼs "Luke" solo album, then followed it up by writing and arranging "After You're Gone", the opening track on TOTO's "Mindfields" album, which was later nominated for a Grammy.

In 2006, Soussan released his first solo album, "Vibrate", and followed up in 2011 with his second solo album, "No Protection".

Neck Bolt Publishing has released the official Rob Zombie coloring book. Loaded with more than 30 coloring pages, cut-out crafts, masks, paper dolls, and other spooky swag, it's the perfect activity for any Rob Zombie fan. The book was illustrated by Pete Bregman, with cover art by Suspiria Vilchez.

Critically acclaimed leading publisher of music books and animation Fantoons had previously released other hard rock- and metal-inspired coloring books, including those dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne, IRON MAIDEN, RUSH, Johnny Ramone and MÖTORHEAD. There have also been Where's Wally-style books devoted to late MÖTORHEAD frontman Lemmy (Where Is Lemmy?),Alice Cooper (Where Is Alice Cooper?) and RUSH (the upcoming "Where's Geddy, Alex, And Neil?).

Back in 2017, artist and designer Laura Marr stated about the growing interest in adult coloring books: "Growing up with the ability to draw, people have often told me 'I wish I could do that.' People want to create art, but there are many reasons why they don't. Whether it's a lack of time or not feeling confident in their skills, the popularity of coloring books over the last few years is a testament to how people enjoy creative expression, for stress relief, relaxation, social interaction and more."

Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper recently completed the 2024 leg of their "Freaks On Parade" tour. The trek marked Zombie's first live appearances with bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson in 18 years.

Blasko's return to Rob Zombie was announced in January.

Nicholson rejoined the group just hours after the shock rocker's longtime bassist Matt "Piggy D." Montgomery revealed that he was exiting the band after 18 years.

"After 18 years I am thrilled to announce that Blasko has returned," Zombie wrote on Instagram on January 30. "The original four-string Zombie monster is back. Get ready for a crazy summer of mayhem."

Blasko was a member of Rob Zombie's band from 1997 through 2006, playing bass on the first three Zombie albums: "Hellbilly Deluxe", "The Sinister Urge" and "Educated Horses".

Nicholson left ZOMBIE in May 2006 in order to join Ozzy Osbourne's recording/touring band.

Montgomery's debut performance with ROB ZOMBIE came on May 24, 2006 during an appearance on CBS's "Late Night Show with David Letterman".

Montgomery played bass on the Rob Zombie studio albums "Hellbilly Deluxe 2" (2010),"Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor" (2013),"The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser" (2016) and "The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy" (2021).

In the fall of 2022, John 5 left ROB ZOMBIE to join MÖTLEY CRÜE as the replacement for that band's co-founding guitarist Mick Mars. John 5 has since been replaced in Zombie's band by returning guitarist Mike Riggs.

Rob Zombie's current band consists of Zombie, Riggs, Blasko and drummer Ginger Fish, who has played with Rob since 2011.

In a new interview with Australia's "Everblack" podcast, KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the follow-up to the band's 2022 album "Requiem". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, we got a lot of it [written]. We're still working."

He continued: "Dude, it's a trip 30 years later, man, to try to keep doing it. And we're very happy with what we got, but it's just gonna take a while. And I don't know how long — maybe next summer, maybe next year, the next winter, I don't know, but it's not gonna be soon."

Welch also talked about the fact that KORN changed the music world with the release of its self-titled debut album in 1994. It was a record that would pioneer a genre, and blur others-leading into a larger cultural movement. He said about KORN's mindset while creating the LP: "We were just in love with music. And we were in love with all kinds of genres — industrial, metal, like the PANTERAs, the METALLICAs, and then you had the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and NINE INCH NAILS and FAITH NO MORE and PRONG and BIOHAZARD and all of these artists that we just… I think about kids that have Spotify, and it's an endless search. Back then, we could have like a collection of maybe 15 or 20 and be done. But we loved music so much that we wanted to include a lot of it in our band. We didn't wanna just pick one style. And we had bands like ANTHRAX who did it with PUBLIC ENEMY. I think they were the first ones to do [a mix of] metal [and rap], so I give props to them for opening that door. Not that we were hip-hop, but we have hip-hop undertones with the drums and the bass and whatnot."

Brian added: "Nu metal is sometimes associated with rap-rock or whatever, but what I love is [KORN singer] Jonathan Davis. Because you throw that freaky, unique, strange, amazing voice and character into what we're doing and he makes it KORN. He helps make KORN unique. We all make KORN — obviously, our instruments, the KORN sound and all that — but having him, he never rapped once. He does a scat thing. He likes to do things that no one's doing… There was just something special about him and how he got so vulnerable and open to share his emotions. On that first album and stuff, you could feel his soul. And I don't know of… Who was doing that before him to that level? People obviously opened the door, like Layne [Staley of ALICE IN CHAINS] and maybe Trent Reznor [of NINE INCH NAILS] — I don't know — but to do it in a way that was just so emotional… That was before bands like LINKIN PARK. And so I'm grateful for Jonathan Davis… He's the quarterback to our football team, if we use American football terms. He's the leader. And we're honored to be able to create a bed of music underneath what he's created over the years."

KORN's self-titled debut turned 30 years old on October 11. In celebration of the milestone, KORN played at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on October 5. This one-night-only performance featured special guests EVANESCENCE, GOJIRA, DARON MALAKIAN AND SCARS ON BROADWAY, SPIRITBOX and VENDED.

KORN kicked off its summer/fall 2024 North American tour on September 12 at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa, Florida. The 25-date Live Nation-produced trek featuring special guests, Grammy-nominated band GOJIRA and Canadian heavy metal group SPIRITBOX, wrapped up in St. Paul, Minnesota at Xcel Energy Center on October 27.

KORN bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu announced in June 2021 that he would sit out the band's tour in order to "heal" after "falling back" on some of his "bad habits." He has since been replaced on the road by SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bassist Roberto "Ra" Díaz.

Released in February 2022, KORN's latest album, "Requiem", which was produced by Chris Collier and KORN, entered Billboard's Hard Rock Albums chart at No. 1. The band sold 23,000 equivalent album units in the February 4-10, 2022 tracking week, according to Billboard. Of that sum, 20,000 units were from album sales. "Requiem" also landed at No. 2 on the Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts. On the all-format Billboard 200, it arrived at No. 14.

Despite the fact that he hasn't performed with his KORN bandmates for nearly four years, Fieldy did play on "Requiem".

Since forming, KORN has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammys, toured the world countless times, and set many records in the process that will likely never be surpassed. KORN has continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans, and generations of artists around the globe.

The level of KORN's reach transcends accolades and platinum certifications. They are "a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now," attests The Ringer. They represent a new archetype and radical innovation, their ability to transcend genre makes barriers seem irrelevant.

BULLETBOYS have announced the return of bassist Lonnie Vencent and addition of guitarist Jake Faun (David Lee Roth, WINGER) to the group's ranks.

Earlier today, BULLETBOYS frontman Marq Torien shared the following message via the band's social media: "BREAKING!!!! BULLETBOYS NEWS!!! 2025 Touring Dates!!! We are so excited about Next year's Dates and Lonnie Vencent being back in the game with us!!! Welcome back my brother!!! New Beginnings, New Dates, New Album, New Music, New Mgt, New Beginnings!!!

"Thank you to all of our Family, Friends and Fans Everywhere!!! We are embarking on a Magical New Venture!!! Ty to the amazing #georgereed for his stellar photography!! Love u brother!! Ty to #kencheneymgt for his undying love to BULLETBOYS! We Love u Ken!! Keep on Punchin and Rockin Yall!! See all yall very soon!!!"

BULLETBOYS' current lineup is rounded out by drummer Fred Aching (POWERFLO).

BULLETBOYS formed in 1988 at the very peak of the Los Angeles glam metal movement. As a collection of talented musicians, BULLETBOYS were able to quickly capture the attention of music fans around the world. Unlike other rockers of the day, the BULLETBOYS possessed more hard rock-blues fusion than pure hair metal. Thanks to comparisons to the likes of AEROSMITH and VAN HALEN, talent scouts came running and the band quickly received their first major label contract.

BULLETBOYS' self-titled debut was released in 1988 via Warner Bros. and peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200. The album spawned two hit singles, a cover of the O'JAYS classic "For The Love Of Money" and "Smooth Up in Ya", both of which charted on the Mainstream Rock chart and saw regular airplay on MTV. BULLETBOYS went on to release two more albums, 1991's "Freakshow" and 1993's "Za-Za", before splitting up.

The original BULLETBOYS lineup — Torien, Vencent, guitarist Mick Sweda and drummer Jimmy D'Anda — reunited five years ago and made its live return in December 2019 with a sold-out performance at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. Sweda and D'Anda exited the group again two years later, with Sweda saying in an interview that he would "never do anything with BULLETBOYS again."

BREAKING!!!! BULLETBOYS NEWS!!! 2025 Touring Dates!!! We are so excited about Next year's Dates and
Lonnie Vencent...

Posted by BULLETBOYS on Tuesday, December 10, 2024

During an appearance on the latest episode of the "Let There Be Talk" podcast with rock and roll comedian Dean Delray, BUSH frontman Gavin Rossdale was asked whether he would ever sell the publishing rights to the songs he has written with his various projects over the past four decades. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "Yeah, I get offered it every couple of bit of time, I get offered. And so the other time, last time I suddenly was, like, all I kept on thinking was, if they wanna offer me that much money, what's the invisible bit that I'm not seeing? What's the subtext that also in brackets, ''Cause he's an idiot. Cause they're an idiot.' It's in brackets: ''Cause they're an idiot.' Because it's just a multiple of what you're gonna make, and then you don't make it, and then they continue to make it."

Gavin continued: "The funny thing about life is, here we are at this point in our lives, people are gonna have sold it and then get to the point where that year, they don't get anything from it, and a big corporation is getting it from that. And none of the beneficiaries, none of the people you're responsible for are gonna get it. It's just the end of that road. And so it's a psychologically weird thing. You've gotta really tap out. So I really made it easy. I actually found a house in Malibu I loved. I asked my manager, business manager, to do all the math, like property tax insurance, a good income, fucking 25 years I don't have to think about this house. What would that cost me? And he came back with a number. And so I went back to the company [that made the offer]. I was, like, 'Listen, I thank you for that. But actually I need about that much more. So I'd have to continue writing songs. If you can pay me that, I'm all in.' [Laughs] So, that's what I did. I was, like, 'Fuck it.'"

Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks and Neil Young are some of the iconic musicians who have recently sold off substantial rights to their music, whether it's just for publishing or the original recordings, known as masters. Investors, major music companies and private equity firms have poured billions of dollars into buying song catalogs, believing that the rise of streaming and growing music revenues will make song rights acquisitions highly lucrative in the long term as they can be exploited for up to 70 years after a musician's death.

When musicians sell their songwriting catalogs, they take a lump sum now, rather than counting on royalties from their music on whatever platform might be most popular in a few decades.

Three years ago, Dylan sold the rights to all of his recorded music since 1962 to Sony Music Entertainment for a reported $200 million. Dylan had previously sold the songwriting portion of his catalog — which include music and lyrics — to Universal Music Publishing Group for a reported $300 million. In 2021, Nicks sold her portion of publishing rights to her songs to Primary Wave for a reported $100 million. That same year, Springsteen reportedly sold his catalog to Sony for more than $500 million.

"A lot of the artists that are selling their catalogs are getting to a point in their lives where they are planning their estates, sort of planning for the future and they are at a point in their lives where it makes sense to sell their music to provide for their families," Hannah Karp, editorial director at Billboard, told CNN in January 2022.

This past April, it was announced that KISS had sold its catalog, brand name and IP to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group in a deal estimated to be over $300 million.

In a new interview with "Reckless" Rexx Ruger of Pod Scum, GREAT WHITE drummer Audie Desbrow was asked if it's "still pretty gratifying" to hear everyone in the audience at the band's shows singing along to all the tracks. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Absolutely. It's funny, though, 'cause I look over the backline right before we're getting ready to go on, I'm just checking out the crowd and stuff, and I'm going, 'God, there are a lot of gray-haired people and bald-headed guys.' I go, 'We're old.' But then again, thanks to [27-year-old singer] Brett [Carlisle, who was officially named GREAT WHITE's new vocalist in October 2022], he's brought in a whole new genre of kids that they're all into him. He's on fire right now. He goes out and meets all the people after the shows. And we just let him do his thing, 'cause he's put a great fire under our asses as far as going and doing it again. So it's a lot of fun, now that he can handle it. And he's young and he can take the grueling travel."

Asked if he thinks Carlisle is "in it for the long haul" with GREAT WHITE, Desbrow said: "Absolutely. Yeah. We definitely feel that way. I mean, he has other projects. He has this other side band that he's formed years ago that he plays [with] whenever we're not playing, which is not that often 'cause we're pretty busy. But, yeah, he's a great fit and he's totally into it. And I think we finally found the guy."

Regarding the possibility of making new GREAT WHITE music as a follow-up to 2017's "Full Circle" album, Audie said: "Well, that's the thing we always agree to never do, is just be the greatest-hits band, where you go see GREAT WHITE and you see the greatest hits and that's all you see. We like to throw in some stuff that's obscure and stuff that never was put on the radio or a B-side we'll try to put in. But we definitely are into doing new music. We actually got together about a month and a half ago with Brett at my house, working on a few ideas for some new music, because we get jaded and we don't wanna just be playing the same thing, like the greatest hits over and over. We mainly do new music for ourselves because you don't wanna bombard the crowd with a bunch of new music. 'Here's our new album. Listen to everything. You're not gonna hear any of the hits, but you're gonna hear everything we just wrote.' You can't do that. Every time we do a new album, we'll use maybe one or two songs out of the album and add it to the set. And if one goes better than the other, we just stick with that one. Like, with 'Full Circle', we were playing 'Big Time' and the first track, 'I'm Alright'. And we dropped 'I'm Alright' and kept the 'Big Time' song, which everybody seems to love. It's just an AC/DC-type song, real simple [and] big, and everybody likes that. So, yeah, we are gonna do new music. We're working on stuff. We actually have some time off right now, so who knows? I might get a call from the guys saying, 'Let's work on some more stuff.' But we definitely wanna get some new music out there with Brett. And it's just fresher for us when we do a show, we'll have new ones to put in there and we won't get jaded from playing 'Once Bitten, Twice Shy' every night."

This past April, GREAT WHITE guitarist Mark Kendall talked to George Dionne of KNAC.COM about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's next album. He said: "I've been having [Brett Carlisle] out recording new stuff. Because I want him to be inspired and just not singing our [old] songs perfect but put his name on some new stuff. So we've been recording. I got a friend, his studio is a little bit more upgraded than mine. This guy Tracy G [Grijalva], he's like a teenage friend of mine who was in DIO. He just has a better studio. So I go down there and lay down ideas and then I have Brett out and go, 'Check this out,' and we sit together. And it's coming out amazing."

Regarding how GREAT WHITE is planning to release its new music, Mark said: "We're not sure how we're gonna put it out, with this day and age. We're talking to a lot of people about it. 'Cause we don't want the music to kind of get lost, with this downloading world. It's not like when we were growing up, we'd buy a record and sit there and listen to [LED ZEPPELIN's] 'Physical Graffiti' all day. Now they just download a couple of songs from this [album], a couple of songs [from that record]. So we're thinking maybe the idea could be [to] just put two or three songs out, maybe a video, and just keep coming with three at a time or something. That way, the music isn't wasted; it actually gets to the people. That's all we're concerned about. We know it's gonna be free on the Internet immediately."

He continued: "Even in our heyday, I was always more interested in the feedback. I want people to tell me, 'Man, I really like this song' or, 'I hate it,' or whatever. I used to go straight to a friend of mine, as soon as we were done, before it was out or anything, because you've gotta wait about four months. So I'd ask him, I go, 'Man, please tell me I'm great. Tell me something good.' He would always pick the singles. And the guy can't — he can't hold a tune in a bucket. I mean, he's so tone deaf, it's insane. But he can listen and he could always pick the singles. I'm going, 'What are you judging by? Is it the beat?' He goes, 'I don't know.' So there's no answer there. But I always like to get the feedback 'cause I wanna know… You have to wait this waiting period after you finish a record to find out if you're good or not, or if people are gonna be accepting. So it is a frustrating time. So I always race all my friends and play it for 'em. So that's what I'm more interested in than the dollars, really, is what people think. And maybe we have a chance to create some more memories."

Asked if he and his bandmates were "a little bit apprehensive" about the fact that Carlisle is only 27 years old while GREAT WHITE, as a group, has been in existence more than four decades, Mark said: "He's in his late 20s, but, believe it or not, he's kind of an old soul in a way. Nothing overwhelms the guy. He just goes out and just totally handles it every night, engages the crowd. He's real good with the interaction. He sings perfect all the time. And he's got really good song sense for a young man. I'm used to feeding people melody ideas when I write a song because that's the way I do it. Everybody has their own way to do it, but I always know that there's a lot of melody available, and he sometimes comes up with something way better than I had. So that's a good sign. And the way he delivers the new stuff, he really has a good handle on the music. And I don't know — I think he was born in the wrong time or something. In other words, we can stand together. It's not like he's standing next to his grandpa or something. It's not like we're CROSBY, STILLS & NASH, and, 'What's that 13-year-old doing there?' When we stand together, it just looks like a band. It doesn't look like we're with a little kid or anything. He's a little better-looking than us, but apart from that…"

Carlisle was officially named GREAT WHITE's new vocalist in October 2022. Brett joined the group as the replacement for Andrew Freeman (LAST IN LINE),who sang for GREAT WHITE for only five months.

Regarding what it has been like working with a singer who wasn't even born when some of GREAT WHITE's classic songs were written, Lardie told Robert Miguel of Uvalde Radio Rocks: "Well, I think he gets what we're trying to do. It's been a godsend to have someone with his youth, but at the same time he has what a lot of people would deem as an older soul. His parents did a great job bringing him up on '70s and '80s rock, so he's pretty well versed in that. And he comes from the South, so he's got a little bit of that blues and gospel edge to him."

Michael went on to say that he is "really looking forward" working on the new GREAT WHITE album with Carlisle. "In fact, before we were going on the other night, I was playing him a little bit of a thing that he and I are working on, and he's going, 'Oh, yeah, I got this idea,'" Lardie said. "So he's really psyched about working with us. And it's a joy to be onstage with him. He's turned into a great little performer, and when he's offstage, he's the most down-to-earth, righteous young man that I've come across in a while. And it's been a joy."

Michael added that Carlisle has the singing ability to handle anything from GREAT WHITE's catalog. "With his energy and his vocal range, we can do pretty much anything," he said. "If somebody throws out a tune, no matter how obscure it might be or how high it might be in terms of range, he's, like, 'Yeah, I can do that.' Like one of the songs we are doing from the very, very first record is 'Stick It'. And he hits every one of those notes spot-on every night. So it's awesome."

Regarding the musical direction of the new GREAT WHITE material, Lardie said: "It's hard to say. I would love the album to be kind of an amalgam of '...Twice Shy' [1989], 'Hooked' [1991] and 'Psycho City' [1992]. I mean, that, to me, would be a great combination of things."

In March, Kendall told The Logan Show about Carlisle: "Even though he's younger than us, he's kind of, like… Nothing overwhelms the guy. He's respectful and everything, but he's not, like, 'Oh, my god. Look at this. Oh, my god. [Look at] that.' He just goes out and just totally handles it every night. Yeah, he's younger than us and whatnot, and, like you said, he wasn't even born in our heyday or whatever, probably, but he just goes out, he really brings the crowd into the show. He's really good and natural at… He doesn't have a script when he goes out there; he just kind of whatever he's feeling, and he sings like perfect, no matter what. It's pretty incredible, really. We're looking forward to doing an album with him, I can tell you that much."

After interviewer Logan Crosland noted that "quite a few people online" have commented that Brett is "probably the closest-sounding singer to Jack Russell," GREAT WHITE's original vocalist, and asked if that was a criteria when hiring Brett to front the band, Mark said: "Not necessarily. What it was is he just sang the songs correctly and he has the range to sing 'em. I don't think his voice sounds that much like Jack, but he has the range of Jack in his heyday. And so we're able to play anything we want, and we really haven't been able to do that in the past. Like we're playing 'Stick It' off the first album, which is up in the astral planes with the vocal range, and he's hitting all those notes full power. I mean, it's not like a falsetto, weak high notes. He's like straight from the gut just like screaming these notes, like full power from A to Z. There's not a song in our catalog that he can't totally handle. And I've been writing with him."

Regarding whether he has any songs already completed, Mark said: "Oh, yeah. I probably have seven complete songs on tape right now. [They're] just absolutely killer. But we haven't collaborated. The way we do it is we get together and we sit in a circle and say, 'What do you got? Let's hear it. What do you got?' And if a riff kind of pokes out, we say, 'Let's work on that. That's badass, dude. That's killer.' And that way it's more of a group effort."

Carlisle made his live debut with GREAT WHITE on September 24, 2022 at the Cannery Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to Brett, he felt welcomed by his new bandmates and the GREAT WHITE fans from the get-go.

"After meeting [the GREAT WHITE guys], they're all super-cool dudes," he told Kevin McKay of the 99 Rock WKSM FM radio station. "In Vegas, we had a rehearsal the day before, and I already knew half the songs well enough to be able to do it. So I wanted to do the best that I could on 'em. But after we hung out, everybody was cool and stuff. I mean, it's a big crowd. I love big crowds; they're fun."

Carlisle has been playing guitar and singing since the age of eight and counts bands like VAN HALEN, SKID ROW and METALLICA as his main influences.

In May 2022, GREAT WHITE announced that it had parted ways with singer Mitch Malloy and had replaced him with Freeman. Malloy had been in GREAT WHITE for nearly four years, having joined the group in 2018 following the departure of Terry Ilous.

Ilous, frontman of '80s L.A. hard rockers XYZ, joined GREAT WHITE in 2010 after stepping in for touring vocalist Jani Lane (WARRANT).

The Ilous-led GREAT WHITE released two albums, 2012's "Elation" and 2017's "Full Circle", before Terry was dismissed from the group.

This version of GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE, which featured Russell.

In January 2023, Kendall told the "Mark 2.0" podcast that he was surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response to Carlisle's addition to GREAT WHITE. "It was world news," he said. "I'm seeing stuff on the Internet from Italy, Germany, the U.K. And even some of the more online dirt-seeking-type entities that normally are just huntin' for the headline to say, 'He said his singer sucks'. That's the article. That's the way it starts. These guys actually said good things and posted some of the [fan-filmed videos]. They're cellphone cameras, so the quality probably isn't… But you can hear it. You need to sing great."

In October 2022, Carlisle was asked in an interview with AL.com about his approach to singing GREAT WHITE's classic songs. He said: "I just want to do the songs justice, because that's what people expect to hear. They want to go to the shows and hear the songs the way they remember them, the way they know them. It's not about me and how many high notes I can hit or anything like that. I just want to do the give the people, and the band, what they want."

Brett went on to say that he is honored to be singing for a band whose songs — including "Save Your Love", "Rock Me" and "Lady Red Light" — he had previously covered with his other band ALL OR NOTHING.

"I just want to learn from them," Carlisle said of his new bandmates "It's just really cool to be included in what I've grown up listening to, like looking at the CDs and everything. And then now people are coming up after the shows asking me to sign like original GREAT WHITE cassettes and stuff. And I'm sitting here feeling like I'm not worthy. Because I didn't record that. But I'm like, I just sang with them, so, sure, if you want me to."

Jack Russell died in August 2024 at the age of 63.

The news of Jack's passing came less than a month after he announced that he was retiring from touring following a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia.

GREAT WHITE press photo courtesy of Jeff Klein / Atomic City PR

Polish extreme metal giants, Behemoth, performed their track, "Once Upon A Pale Horse", during their set at the 2024 edition of Germany's Wacken Open Air festival. Watch professionally-filmed video below:





Watch "Chant For Ezkaton 2000" from the same show:







Join Behemoth, Satyricon and Rotting Christ in Europe next year for "The Unholy Trinity". Behemoth recently released a video trailer for trek, which can be found below.


Says Behemoth: "Legions of Europe! It’s that time again… We are beyond thrilled to announce that we’ll be bringing together the blasphemous f

In a new interview with Australia's Metal Roos, Kerry King spoke about SLAYER's future plans, following the band's two festival appearances in September and October after a five-year hiatus. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're never gonna tour again. We're never gonna make a record again. Mark my word: we're never gonna make a record again, we're never gonna tour again. Because that was the last thing. We said [back in 2018], 'This is our final tour.' It took five years for us to come and say, 'Hey, here's a couple of shows, five-year anniversary.'"

Elaborating on the significance of SLAYER's comeback live performances more than four decades after the band's formation, Kerry said: "I think it's really cool. A lot of fans are into it. There's gonna be haters who say, 'Oh, they retired.' Yeah. Whatever. This is all about celebration. Say a kid was 10 years old when we retired. Now he's 15, 16. [It's his] first opportunity to see us. I think that's important."

King also touched upon the fact that SLAYER's reunion shows were announced just a couple of weeks after he went public with the details of his new solo band and debut solo album. He said: "The [SLAYER] announcement timing was not my favorite, but my band was doing its thing. The festivals SLAYER agreed to play, they wanted to release [the information about us playing there], they wanted to announce [it]. So, the timing wasn't in my favor, but everything went [as it did], and here we are in Australia [with my new band] kicking ass."

Kerry reflected on SLAYER's two reunion performances earlier this fall — on September 22 at the Riot Fest in Chicago, Illinois and on October 10 at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California — during a recent interview with Brian Slagel, CEO of Metal Blade Records, for the recently launched "100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal" podcast. Regarding how he felt going into the Riot Fest gig, King said: "It's kind of like when we did the first 'Big Four' show, I said, 'This is gonna be really cool for the fans, and it'll be good to see the guys.' And that's about all I gave it. But then we actually played the show and a handful more shows, and I said, 'You know what? This is really cool for me.' And I didn't expect that. And I didn't expect that when we did the Chicago show [SLAYER at Riot Fest]. I went with the exact same idea. I'm, like, 'This is gonna be really cool for the fans, especially fans that were too young to see us.' And I hit the stage and I got goosebumps. I'm, like, 'This is way bigger than I ever gave it credit for.' … [And] we've got a lot of history in Chicago too, so for the reunion show to be there, it was pretty epic. And the response was over the top. It was way overwhelming."

At Riot Fest and Aftershock, SLAYER ran through a 20-song set that included opener "South Of Heaven", "Seasons In The Abyss", "Angel Of Death", "Hell Awaits", "Raining Blood" and the title track of SLAYER's final album, "Repentless".

SLAYER was also scheduled to play at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky on September 27, but that performance was canceled due to severe weather.

The lineup for SLAYER's comeback was the same as the one which last toured in 2019: King and drummer Paul Bostaph, along with bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and guitarist Gary Holt.

King's debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", came out in May via Reigning Phoenix Music. All material for the LP was written by the 60-year-old SLAYER guitarist, who was accompanied during the recording sessions by the rest of his solo band, consisting of Bostaph, bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH),guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of MACHINE HEAD) and Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL) on vocals. Helming the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles last year was producer Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BAD RELIGION, among others.

Deep Purple frontman, Ian Gillan, has announced the February 14 release of the 7CD boxset, Gillan: 1978 - 1982. The set includes studio recordings, a live album and a wealth of B-sides and bonus material.


Limited editions, including a print signed by Ian, are available while stocks last. Pre-order here, and watch a video message from Gillan below.







The new Gillan 7CD box set offers a comprehensive collection of the band's work during the years from 1978 to 1982, when they rose to prominence in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene.


The set includes seven albums from this era, featuring studio recordings, a live album, and a wealth of B-sides and bonus material. The albums featured in this set are as follows: Gillan (The Japanese Album) – Originally released in September 1978, this was the debut of the band formed by Ian Gillan after leaving the Ian Gillan Band. It marked a shift away from jazz fusion to a heavier rock sound. Mr. Universe – Released in 1979, this was a key album that solidified their success, featuring a mix of hard rock and NWOBHM influences. Glory Road – A 1980 release, this album is considered the height of the band’s success, both commercially and musically. Future Shock – Released in 1981, this album continued the band’s momentum, but guitarist Bernie Tormé left shortly afterward. Double Trouble – A double album from 1981 that combined studio tracks and live performances and marked Janick Gers' debut as guitarist. Magic – Released in 1982, this was the band's final studio album before they disbanded after their last performance at Wembley Arena in December 1982. Live From Reading '80 – A live album capturing the band’s powerful live performances at the Reading Festival in 1980.


The collection includes a new interview with Ian Gillan conducted by Rich Davenport, providing deeper insights into the band's history and the albums. The audio has been remastered from the original tapes where possible, ensuring high-quality sound. The packaging is designed in a 7” x 7” format, with 32-page booklet, offering a unique visual presentation for collectors. This set is a valuable offering for fans of Gillan and collectors of rock history, especially from the era of NWOBHM, showcasing the evolution of a band led by one of rock’s iconic vocalists.





Tracklisting:


Disc One: The Japanese Album
"Street Theatre" (Instrumental)
"Secret Of the Dance"
"I'm Your Man"
"Dead Of Night"
"Fighting Man"
"Message In a Bottle"
"Not Weird Enough"
"Bringing Joanna Back"
"Abbey Of Thelema"
"Back In the Game"
"Vengeance"
"Move With the Times"
"Sleeping On the Job"
"Roller"


Disc Two: Mr Universe
"Second Sight"
"Secret Of the Dance"
"She Tears Me Down"
"Roller"
"Mr. Universe"
"Vengeance"
"Puget Sound"
"Dead Of Night"
"Message In a Bottle"
"Fighting Man"
"Smoke On the Water" - Live at Kingsway Studio
"Parliament Square" - Mr Universe Out Take


Disc Three: Glory Road
"Unchain Your Brain"
"Are You Sure?"
"Time And Again"
"No Easy Way"
"Sleeping On the Job"
"On The Rocks"
"If You Believe Me"
"Running, White Face, City Boy"
"Nervous"
"Handles On Her Hips" - B-side of "No Easy Way"
"I Might as Well Go Home (Mystic)" - B-side of "No Easy Way"
"Higher And Higher" - For Gillan Fans Only
"Your Mother Was Right" - For Gillan Fans Only


Disc Four: Future Shock
"Future Shock"
"Night Ride Out of Phoenix"
"(The Ballad Of) The Lusitania Express"
"No Laughing in Heaven"
"Sacre Bleu"
"New Orleans"
"Bite The Bullet"
"If I Sing Softly"
"Don’t Want the Truth"
"For Your Dreams"
"Trouble" - A-side
"Your Sister’s on My List" - B-side of "Trouble"
"Mutually Assured Destruction" - A-side
"The Maelstrom" - B-side of "Mutually Assured Destruction"
"Take A Hold of Yourself" - B-side of "New Orleans"
"One For the Road" - B-side of "No Laughing in Heaven"
"Lucille" - B-side of "No Laughing in Heaven"
"Bad News" - B-side of "No Laughing in Heaven"


Disc Five: Double Trouble
"I’ll Rip Your Spine Out"
"Restless"
"Men Of War"
"Sunbeam"
"Nightmare"
"HadelyBop Bop"
"Life Goes On"
"Born To Kill"
"Spanish Guitar" - Flexipop magazine Dec 81


Disc Six: Double Trouble (Reading 29.8.81)
"No Laughing In Heaven"
"No Easy Way"
"Trouble"
"Mutually Assured Destruction"
"If You Believe Me"
"New Orleans"
"Bi

During an appearance on a recent episode of the "One Life One Chance With Toby Morse" podcast, SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser spoke about the band's ongoing farewell tour, which launched in March and is expected to last through 2026. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's [going] amazing. This tour was organized to be this way, to celebrate 40 years. It's an amazing history, very unique history in metal. And we are going through our best momentum. We had a great album, we survived the lockdown. We made an album during the lockdown, which was amazing. It kept the band alive and working and busy during a very difficult time. And the business now, it's just booming. You see how many tours are going on in the States at the same time, at the same places. And we are very happy that we have our crowd, man. It's great to see our faithful fans wanted to be there to celebrate together with us. Very emotional, because they remember the first show, the first shirt, the first song, the lyrics that helped them through difficult times. People that got married because they met at a SEPULTURA concert. [Laughs] It's great. People that bring their families, their kids and stuff. After all, it's 40 years of history. And we're doing our biggest shows in Brazil, for instance, with a big production, two hours of set time, which is unheard of for SEPULTURA. And it feels great. It feels so great to play our history."

He continued: "A lot of people complain that we miss some albums, some side Bs and side Cs, and then we are incorporating that to the setlist and bringing the fans to play together with us on stage, percussion, which is a very highlight of the show, I guess, because people get so happy. Can you imagine you go to a show and your idol calls you to be on stage with you, man? It's fucking great. So it's, it's fantastic, man. We are having a great time."

Kisser also talked about SEPULTURA's plans to put together a live album commemorating its last run of shows. The band is recording 40 songs in 40 different cities for what will be a "massive compilation of our best, most energetic moments on stage," according to a statement released by SEPULTURA last December. Asked if the fact that SEPULTURA is recording every show on the current tour puts "any kind of extra pressure" on the band, Andreas said: "Not at all. We don't even remember [that we are recording the shows while we are playing them]. Because we're doing every show, so it's very spontaneous. Because when you go, 'We're gonna have a live project,' a specific show or two or three, whatever. But in one place, and all the attention is there, you have the cameras, you have whatever extra people working, which are not usually on the road, so you feel a little more pressure. And doing it this way, we don't even remember we are recording, which is awesome."

Last month, Andreas told Kati Rausch of Music Interview Corner about SEPULTURA's plans to release the live album: "We're gonna put it out in parts digitally — maybe six, eight songs, every part, every block. And then at the end, when we have the 40 songs chosen and released digitally, we're gonna put out a box set — vinyl, double vinyl, with a lot of pictures and photos. It'll be amazing, like old-school live stuff."

Earlier last month, Kisser, whose wife Patricia Perissinoto Kisser passed away in July 2022 after a battle with colon cancer, admitted to France's Loud TV that the experience of losing his longtime partner accelerated the decision for SEPULTURA to embark on a farewell tour.

Patricia had just turned 52 years old one day before her death.

Andreas and the couple's three children, Giulia, Yohan and Enzo, announced Patricia's death in a social media post. They wrote: "It is with deep sadness that we have to share that Patricia Perissinoto Kisser passed away this morning. She will remain in our memories forever."

Andreas and Patricia had been together for 32 years after first getting together in 1990. They married in 1994.

In June 2022, Andreas left SEPULTURA's European tour due to what was described at the time as a "family emergency." He was temporarily replaced on the road by Jean Patton of fellow São Paulo, Brazil-based heavy metal act PROJECT46.

SEPULTURA's current lineup comprises Kisser, vocalist Derrick Green, bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. and drummer Greyson Nekrutman.

SEPULTURA kicked off its farewell tour on March 1, 2024 at Arena Hall in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The sold-out show marked the band's debut performance with Nekrutman, who previously played with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES.

Following its premiere with Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 last night, British rockers THE DARKNESS have released their explosive new single "I Hate Myself". It's the second track to be taken from their forthcoming eighth studio album, "Dreams On Toast", which is out on March 28 via Cooking Vinyl.

The punk rock glam stomp of "I Hate Myself" features Justin Hawkins in self-deprecating mode, as he chronicles the breakdown of a relationship while pointing the finger squarely at himself. Falsetto soars, riffs swagger, choruses trumpet and solos ignite as though you've walked into an end-of-year party where STATUS QUO, SLADE, CHEAP TRICK and MOTÖRHEAD have all come on the jukebox… at the same time! It's quite simply magnificent.

Regarding the single, Justin Hawkins says: "At last, a joyous, raucous celebration of self-loathing. I think without regrets we stand to learn less from our experiences — to deny them and compartmentalize them is to deny ourselves an opportunity to grow. So, it's time for us to sing this uplifting ode to remorse in the hope that we don't make the same mistakes again and history does not repeat itself."

Fans will be treated to an exclusive live performance of "I Hate Myself" today during the first two of six sold-out Rough Trade in-stores happening this week in London, Nottingham and Liverpool. THE DARKNESS will perform songs from the forthcoming "Dreams On Toast" live for the very first time including the recent poptacular single "The Longest Kiss".

Following their short run of up-close-and-personal Rough Trade shows, THE DARKNESS will hit the road again in March on a much larger scale. The "Dreams On Toast" U.K. headline tour will see them play 18 shows across the country finishing at London's OVO Wembley Arena on March 29. Support comes from Northern Irish indie-rock heroes ASH, who first supported THE DARKNESS on their legendary "Permission To Land" tour over 20 years ago.

When "Dreams On Toast" was first announced in September, Justin said in a statement: "You know that thing when God's breath tickles your soul and tells you to create? Yeah, makes me giggle too. But you can't resist. God might not be the power she once was, but say what you like about her, she knows damn well that what the world needs now, is rock sweet rock. And who are we, mere mortals of extraordinary ability, to argue with the divine?

"So we knuckled down and thought really hard about the best of the best, the elite songs, the life-changing music of the ages. Then we popped out a dozen bangers before lunch. And these bangers we present to you here, wallowing in an aromatic aural ragu, served atop the charred remains of our envious contemporaries… ladies and gentlemen, I give you 'Dreams On Toast'!"

A lavish display of sonic delicacies, "Dreams On Toast" is a dynamic dish packed full of sure-to-be hits. This is no better demonstrated than with lead single "The Longest Kiss". An upbeat pop classic which tips its hat to the '70s pop genius of both QUEEN and Paul McCartney, it finds THE DARKNESS dance across jaunty piano keys and frolicking guitar licks in irresistible top form.

Justin explained: "Misty Orchards! That's not my porn name, that's the kind of scenery that I love. I awakened to such a vista in the delightful Scottish highland town of Nairn on the morning that inspiration for 'The Longest Kiss' lyric struck. I was bleary eyed and locked in an unending embrace with my (mid)life partner. Weird that I can still sing, but that's a testament to the resilience of humans, especially lead singers. The music itself is a piano-led composition, the chorus of which my brother and I came up with after he'd taken a long time to empty his bladder during some impressive pub endurance. The verses were transposed from a song I've been working on for decades as part of a musical about the collapse of the Lowestoft fishing industry, called 'The Collapse Of The Lowestoft Fishing Industry'. The musical isn't finished yet. But 'The Longest Kiss' is. The results are astounding. We're all very proud of this."

The "Dreams On Toast" album artwork was designed by Grammy-nominated artist Perry Shall.

More than 20 years after THE DARKNESS exploded with the big bang that changed the face of British rock music, their cheeky, spandex-clad anthems continue to capture hearts, and a new generation of fans, around the world. None more so than Taylor Swift who sparked yet another internet meltdown last week by singing along with the band's eternal mega-hit "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" at the U.S. Open. As a result, her legions of fans sent the track hurtling up charts across the world, including reaching No. 1 in the U.S. iTunes Rock Chart, 21 years after its release.

Photo credit: Simon Emmett

Punishing noise levels are a natural force among metal’s various habitats. But after hearing the roar of chainsaws tear through Costa Rica’s rain forest, two angry metalheads are banging their heads together to protect our ecosystems.


Savage Lands is co-operated by Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel. Since its founding in 2022, the U.S.-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit has preserved 100,000 square feet of Costa Rican forest using the money from their music. 100% of the royalties from the organization’s debut album, Army Of The Trees, support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries.


Debut album, Army Of The Trees, comes out February 15 via Season of Mist. Pre-order/pre-save the album here.




As Savage Lands warn on their crushing new single with Lord Of The Lost and Chloe Trujillo, if we don’t act fast and protect our ecosystems, then pretty soon, we won’t just be out of time. We’ll be out of breath. Watch the "Out Of Breath" music video below:





Like the trees of the rain forest, Savage Lands are supported by many different branches.


On the ground, the organization partners with scientists, forest engineers, ecological parks, private businesses and other local non-profits. Their Green Alliance has led to more than 11,000 trees being planted in deforested areas along the Costa Rican coastline thanks to the help of 1,200 volunteers. They also partner with global conservation leaders like the Jane Goodall Institute.


“Nature is music. Trees are music”, said the world famous scientist, who is working together with the metal non-profit on preservation projects in Africa and France.


Collaboration also fuels Savage Lands’ creative drive. Army Of The Trees introduces several species of metalhead into the band’s natural environment. The album features Alissa White-Gluz, Lord Of The Lost and other movers and shakers from across the metal industry. While the title track boasts a wild ranging guest list, its anthemic energy comes from the organization’s earliest roots.


The foundation of Savage Lands was three decades in the making. Dirk and Sylvain first met in France during the late ’90s, when they both played in the socially conscious thrash metal band Artsonic. While Dirk went on to join Soilwork and Megadeth, the country has continued to support their joint conservation efforts. Hellfest pledged to donate 1 million Euro to Savage Lands after the band performed on the main stage at this year’s festival with familiar faces from Napalm Death, Biohazard, Body Count, The Gathering and their core members in French metalcore exploders Black Bomb A and Chicano crossover punks Loco Muerte.


“That’s one of the beautiful things about Savage Lands”, Sylvain says. “As a band, we’re not limited to just one genre. We can adapt to boost the strengths of whoever is joining us”.


Army Of The Trees packs more Francophone force. Eight pillars from the French metal scene join Savage Lands in the fight to protect the world’s ecosystems. Niko of Tagada Jones throws lyrical haymakers while Loco Muerte’s Steeven Corsini spins a blazing rap between drums that pound like the forces of the jungle. Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David Sidilarsen and the mighty Julien Truchan from Benighted flex their beastly growls. The ghostly video is a chilling reminder of what’s at stake, but the fiery guitar solos from Sylvain, Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast) and Viber (Sidilarsen) put more than enough bite behind Savage Lands’ fierce rallying cry. “Now is the time to take a stand“.


“Our goals are attainable,” Sylvain and Dirk say. “By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must work together and quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save”.


Raise your horns and join the Army Of The Trees in support of the metal non-profit.


Learn more about Savage Lands

sexthrash69 has uploaded video of EXODUS's entire December 7 concert at The Regent in Los Angeles, California. Check out the footage below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. The Last Act Of Defiance
02. Blood In, Blood Out
03. Fabulous Disaster
04. And Then There Were None
05. Body Harvest
06. Prescribing Horror
07. The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)
08. Brain Dead
09. Deathamphetamine
10. Blacklist
11. Metal Command
12. War Is My Shepherd
13. The Toxic Waltz
14. Strike Of The Beast

EXODUS kicked off "The Battle Of '24" tour on November 2 in Tampa, Florida and thrashed its way across North America, ultimately concluding the trek on December 7 in Los Angeles. The tour marked EXODUS's first headlining run in many years.

In early November, EXODUS released its cover of the AC/DC classic "Beating Around The Bush". The track, which features a guest solo by former EXODUS guitarist Rick Hunolt, was originally recorded during the sessions for EXODUS's 2021 album "Persona Non Grata" but had not been released until now.

In a recent interview with The Metal Voice, EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's follow-up to 2021's "Persona Non Grata" album. He said: "The music is gonna come together really fast and it's really awesome. We worked last March, April and a little bit in May and got the nucleus for a bunch of songs, basically flip flopped some of the beats on some songs. That happens sometimes. And so I have a lot of material to work with. After this [fall 2024] tour, we're gonna woodshed. We'll probably get together in my studio here; I'm in Northern California. Yeah, we're probably gonna work through the end of December and then into January. So we'll have two months. And we already have the nucleus of a bunch of great songs."

Asked if he is going to be contributing musically and lyrically to the next EXODUS LP, Tom said: "I wrote the lyrics to one [track], 'The Years Of Death And Dying', on the last record, and it turned out to be a really great song. So, I think between that and the journey with the cancer and stuff, it awoke something in me. So I've got notepads with scribbles, like a whole bunch of stuff. I need to formulate them into songs [laughs], but I got a lot of words and stuff… I'm gonna try to write some [of the lyrics]. Yeah, it's really fun. And I really enjoy like lyric writing. It's great."

Regarding the overall sound of the new EXODUS material and whether some of it will "veer off into other directions", Tom said: "I really couldn't tell you. I mean, there could be some experimental stuff, and it all happens organically and kind of in the moment. I thought 'Blood In, Blood Out' was kind of like a good old thrash album. 'Persona Non Grata' was a little more —yeah, a little more meaty, a little more dark, goes to some dark places. All the music we made with [singer Rob] Dukes was a little more progressive and went to dark places, and I like that stuff too. So I think there'll be a little bit of everything. And we've got a bunch of covers in the bag too that we recorded in the last sessions for 'Persona Non Grata', and we'll probably do some of those too — just obscure B-side punk stuff. Fun stuff."

In October, EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about the band's next album: "I've got a dozen [songs] in the works right now, and Lee [Altus, EXODUS guitarist] has some stuff. Our plan is to hit the studio in February. We were gonna do it this summer, but we felt we were rushing it. And the last time was so well received and a landmark album for us, we can't shortchange ourselves and hurry into it. And [we have a] brand new record label with Napalm Records and we wanted to make sure the album's as good as it possibly can be. So, February and March we'll be in the studio and then back at it again after that. No rest for the wicked, for sure."

Holt previously discussed EXODUS's plans to hit the studio this past August in an interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show. He said at the time: "Well, I'm writing the new record right now. We were going to go in the studio in a week, but we needed more time. We're not ready. And if we rushed it, that'd be a huge mistake. Unfortunately, due to touring commitments, our next gap to get in and do this proper, it's, like, the beginning of next year. So, we're pushing back, but it's gonna be worth it 'cause the songs are just coming along very well. I'm super pleased. Stuff's heavy."

He continued: "The last album we had all the time in the world due to the pandemic, and the results are apparent in the record, and to follow 'Persona Non Grata' with a rushed release would be the dumbest thing we could possibly do. But it's coming along — it's coming along really well. Actually, I've got 10 songs I'm working on. Lee's got some stuff, and we'll take it from there."

Asked if it looks like the next EXODUS album will be released in 2025, Gary replied: "Oh, yeah, for sure. It will be next year. It's just gonna be later next year than we hoped."

This past February, EXODUS frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza said on his Zetro's Toxic Vault YouTube channel about the musical direction of the band's new material: "I haven't heard anything that they're writing. It usually starts with Tom and Gary. So, it'll be music and then drums. And then when they have kind of stuff pasted together, then I'll hear bits and pieces of it. It kind of rolls like that, but within three or four weeks' time, what sounds like just riffs put together actually turn into full songs, with lyrics and everything. 'Persona Non Grata' went that way, for sure. And in the past we had done it like that. So that's what's actually happening as far as EXODUS is concerned right now."

Souza went on to say that Napalm Records, with whom EXODUS signed a new record deal last year, was anxious to start working with the band on promoting the upcoming LP.

"It's been 20 years or even more than we were on Nuclear Blast," Zetro said. "I mean, the first record on Nuclear Blast was 'Tempo Of The Damned', and so [it was] in 2003, 2002, I think, when we actually signed to them. And then everything that [former EXODUS singer] Rob Dukes did with them was on there. And then when I came back, [we did] 'Blood In Blood Out' and 'Persona' [with Nuclear Blast].

"[Napalm] seem very excited, and that's always a good thing," he continued. "We had such a great relationship with Nuclear Blast and they were really good to us. I think sometimes change is good and a breath of fresh air comes. And I think that we were due for that. So, it's worked out good. We've got, obviously, Napalm, their deal for us was really, really good and it's a three-album deal, so there's at least three more EXODUS records on the books there. So we just have number one that will start this year at some point."

Burning Witches bring back the vibe of 80s heavy metal and update their powerful force with renewed sonic clarity on their new maxi-single, The Spell Of The Skull, out today via Napalm Records. With screaming guitars, the Swiss band is back for a heavy metal blast session in the snow.


With The Spell Of The Skull, they curse audiences with two new songs from their latest conjuring of witchcraft. Witchqueen Romana Kalkuhl hypnotizes your mind with her melodic riffs, while diabolic priestess Laura Guldemond conquers your soul with crowd pleasing shouts.


Today, the stunning single “Mirror, Mirror” has been released alongside an official lyric video. The track opens with a virtuous intro that shows the band’s true witchcraft, especially when it comes to creating catchy and hypnotizing guitar riffs. Laura Guldemond, on the other hand, impresses with her incredible vocal range and distinctive style of singing. This new onslaught satisfies all supporters of the fast and unholy forces.




Only a few years after their foundation, these five witches had already performed at fully attended shows at the biggest and most important festivals of the entire metal universe, like Wacken, Summer Breeze and Rock Harz Open Air in Germany. After five attention-grabbing albums, Burning Witches prepare for another attack in 2025.


Watch the lyric video for “Mirror, Mirror” below.





The Spell Of The Skull is available in the following formats:


- 1LP Slipcase Solid Gold (strictly limited) (Sold Out)
- 1LP Slipcase Solid Red (strictly limited) (Sold Out)
- 1LP Slipcase Marbled Orange Red Black (strictly limited)
- Digital Single


Order your copy here.





The Spell Of The Skull trackliisting:


"The Spe

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the upcoming release of legendary rock vocalist Robin McAuley's new solo album, Soulbound. This new album sees McAuley's voice continuing to defy time, sounding as inspired and powerful as ever. The new album is definitively more guitar-driven straight hard rock compared to his previous albums and is still wonderfully melodic, infectious, and fist-in-the-air uplifting.


McAuley comments on Soulbound: "I can't wait to share Record #3 with you all from Frontiers Music SRL. Soulbound is a much edgier, harder guitar-driven record than my previous two for the label. In addition, I'm working with a new producer from the Frontiers label, Aldo Lonobile, who brought these songs to life with his Kick-Ass production. PLAY IT LOUD !!!!! I think you're gonna Luv It!!!!"


Soulbound showcases the respected Irish rock singer's desire to make a strong musical statement in what is proving to be his most creative period. To kick the announcement off, McAuley is also sharing the album's first track, "'Til I Die", alongside a music video, available below.




About the single, McAuley shared this: "We had so much fun shooting this mini-movie with the great production team of Enzo Mazzeo and Eric Boadello. ''Til I Die' comes at you right out the gate with heavy drums and biting guitars as I race across the Western wasteland to escape the unknown demons and images haunting me and determined to track me down. It's a race for survival at all costs. Come join me and escape together!!!!"


After reemerging on the recording side of the music industry with guest spots on Michael Schenker Fest albums and tours in addition to fronting the hard rock supergroup Black Swan, McAuley was (and still is) feeling invigorated and ready to explore even more creative output to let the world see that his voice is still as powerful as ever.


Work for Soulbound began in early 2024, following an intense musical period in between tour dates and studio work. With a slightly different production approach compared to the previous album, Robin’s vocal performance here is simply outstanding. Truly an iconic voice of the genre, 'Soulbound' solidly delivers the more hard and heavy aspects of this respected artist.


Robin's backing band includes some of the previous artists who appeared with him on previous efforts, including guitarist Andrea Seveso, as well as some new talent such as guitarist Alessandro Mammola and drummer Alfonso Mocerino.


Soulbound is produced by Aldo Lonobile. Pre-order here.





Soulbound tracklisting:


"‘Til I Die"
"Soulbound"
"The Best Of Me"
"Crazy"
"Let It Go"
"Wonders Of The World"
"One Good Reason"
"Bloody Bruised And Beautiful"
"Paradise"
"Born To Die"
"There Was A Man"
"Crazy" (Alternative Mix) Bonus Track Japan


"‘Til I Die" video:





Credits:


Produced By: Aldo Lonobile
Studio: TMH Studio, Institute Of Noise LA