During an appearance on Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, Dave Mustaine discussed his decision to hire TESTAMENT bassist Steve DiGiorgio to lay down the bass tracks on the new MEGADETH album, "The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!", which will be released on September 2 via UMe. Just months after DiGiorgio recorded his parts for the effort, former MEGADETH bassist James LoMenzo rejoined the band in time for the summer 2021 leg of "The Metal Tour Of The Year".

Asked what he appreciates most about DiGiorgio and LoMenzo musically and as people, Mustaine said: "I think that both of them are really fun people to be around. Although I didn't know Steve DiGiorgio as much as I know James LoMenzo, I found him to be just as enjoyable to be around as James was."

Referencing the fact that MEGADETH's longtime bassist David Ellefson was fired from the band in May 2021, just days after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the bassist were posted on Twitter, Mustaine said: "I think the band and everybody that's associated with us, that period that we went through was a little touchy. So we wanted to do the right thing. And trying to find the replacement for anybody, I think, wasn't the right thing to do at the time because nobody really knew all the facts and I certainly didn't want to poach anybody. Not from TESTAMENT — they're my friends — and I don't think from anybody."

Mustaine, who was a member of METALLICA for 11 months before being fired in 1983, continued: "As great as Steve is, I remember what it felt like when we [METALLICA] went up and poached Cliff [Burton] from TRAUMA. I mean, granted, the band TRAUMA wasn't that good, but there are still guys in the band and their lives were changed when that happened.

"I tend to believe that… You've gotta ask yourself, 'Did he jump or was he pushed?' And I like to make sure, if I was gonna hire somebody, that I wasn't stealing him from anybody."

DiGiorgio is widely renowned as a pioneer on the fretless bass in heavy metal music, having played with TESTAMENT, DEATH and SADUS, among others. Within his genre, Steve is respected for his playing skills, versatility and incredible technique. He has more than 40 studio album recordings and over 20 years of touring the world.

LoMenzo joined MEGADETH in 2006 and appeared on two of the group's studio albums, 2007's "United Abominations" and 2009's "Endgame". He was fired from the band in 2010 and replaced with Ellefson, who was in MEGADETH from the band's inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest departure.

LoMenzo played his first show with MEGADETH in nearly 12 years in August 2021 in Austin, Texas.

Ellefson laid down his bass tracks on MEGADETH's sixteenth LP in May 2020 at a studio in Nashville, Tennessee. A short time later, he raved about his performance on the record, telling the 96.7 KCAL-FM radio program "Wired In The Empire" that his musical chemistry with MEGADETH drummer Dirk Verbeuren was comparable to the interplay between Geddy Lee and Neil Peart on classic RUSH albums. "I feel like on the new MEGADETH record, me and Dirk have those same moments," he said. "It's MEGADETH — it's not RUSH, obviously — but in the field of what we do, there were these moments that I was just going, 'Oh, my God.' This is me as a kid going, 'This is my Geddy/Neil moment right here.'"

In July 2021, Mustaine announced during an episode of his Gimme Radio program "The Dave Mustaine Show" that Ellefson's bass tracks would not be used on the new MEGADETH LP.

In a new interview with Sweden's Rock Sverige, BEHEMOTH frontman Adam "Nergal" Darski was asked what METALLICA has meant to him throughout the years. He responded: "Fucking hell, man. I mean, I remember when I was a kid, I wasn't the biggest METALLICA fan. I was more of a [IRON] MAIDEN fan and SODOM or something else. I always followed METALLICA and I listened to them, but surprisingly, which is quite unexpected, I became the biggest METALLICA fan for the last 15 years. The longer I'm around and the longer I see METALLICA going and how well they're doing, I'm more and more filled with fucking adoration for those guys. I'm lucky enough to be friends with Lars [Ulrich, METALLICA drummer] and he's an amazing human being — super gentle and an amazing guy. And every time I see METALLICA… most of the times I'm in the pit and that's amazing.

"I think the last record [2016's 'Hardwired… To Self-Destruct'] is really a solid one," he continued. "'Spit Out The Bone' must be one of their best songs ever. I'm one of those guys. 'Kill 'Em All' is probably one of my favorites and 'Master Of Puppets' and the last one. It's a great record.

"I always say that METALLICA is still around and they're in really good shape," Nergal added. "They're not the youngest dudes around and I believe that they'll go on for at least another decade, but I always tell everyone to fucking go and watch METALLICA. Go and see METALLICA because all those classic bands like METALLICA, MAIDEN, GUNS N' ROSES… all those bands are going to be around for only a little bit longer. It's going to be the longest farewell. Make sure to catch their set and support those bands. Once they're gone, they're gone. Appreciate them while their still around and touring the world. I always go and see METALLICA, MAIDEN, GUNS N' ROSES…"

Back in August 2017, Nergal shared a backstage photo of him with Ulrich, METALLICA frontman James Hetfield and Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel taken before the band's concert in San Diego. At the time, he wrote about the experience of meeting Ulrich and Hetfield: "We are entering the backstage rooms... Lars is hanging out there with a cup of coffee. He's relaxed and totally cool. Super friendly, focused on YOU what makes you feel important. I like that. When we start talking families I'm asking if his son is into metal at all. Noooo, he's a jazz kind of guy, he studies in NYC. Then I go: Well, if's he's a jazz kind of person do you hear him often saying to you: NOT QUITE MY TEMPO!!!! We start laughing... James Hetfield joins the conversation. We briefly talk about GOJIRA, who open for them that nite. We make this picture and say good bye... few hours later METALLICA enters the stage in San Diego SOLD OUT 40.000 stadium and AGAIN plays a show that proves they ARE #1 band on the planet. We are right in the centre of snake pit and the band is literally at hand! I'm left speechless. One of the happiest day of my life."

BEHEMOTH will release its 12th studio album, "Opvs Contra Natvram", on September 16 via Nuclear Blast.

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We are on our way down to San Diego to see Metallica last night. I'm harassing his ass to tell us the stories how we met...

Posted by Adam Nergal Darski on Monday, August 7, 2017

Diabolical black/death metal squadron, Belphegor, have unveiled a bizarre music video for the punishing title track of their recently released new album, The Devils. Check it out below:





With The Devils, Belphegor unleash their twelfth studio album upon the masses, which proves to be one of the strongest and most elaborate records in the group’s career. Mixed & mastered at renowned Fascination Street Studios by Jens Bogren (Kreator, Rotting Christ, At The Gates), The Devils sounds absolutely crushing and dynamic, sonically pushing the immense variety of the eight tracks to new heights.




Order/save The Devils here.





Tracklisting:


“The Devils”
“Totentanz – Dance Macabre”
“Glorifizierung des Teufels”
“Damnation – Höllensturz”
“Virtus Asinaria – Prayer”
“Kingdom Of Cold Flesh”
“Ritus Incendium Diabolus”
“Creature Of Fire”
“Blackest Sabbath 1997” (re-recorded medley of “Blackest Ecstasy” and “Blutsabbath” from 1997’s Blutsabbath album)


“Virtus Asinaria – Prayer” video:





“Totentanz – Dance Macabre” lyric video:

FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares has recruited ONCE HUMAN's Lauren Hart as the new singer of his DIVINE HERESY project.

Cazares announced Hart's addition to DIVINE HERESY late Monday night (August 1) on the band's official Facebook page. He wrote: "I'm almost ready to write some new material w/ singer Lauren Hart. I will be handling all guitar and bass. I currently do not have a drummer or bassist for live or possible tracking, so any professional musicians in the USA interested let me know.

"Let me be clear about this: I will not be using any former members. With that being said R.I.P. Joe Payne one of the best bassist/guitarist.

"We are currently record company free so all of this will be supported out of our own pockets.

"Ps. This does not take away from any other things that I’m currently working on".

Just four days earlier, Dino shared a short Instagram clip of Hart singing DIVINE HERESY's "Failed Creation" and he included the following message: "Wow watch @ohlaurenhart destroy 'Failed Creation' next DH singer ? give her a follow and check some of her other covers. #explorepage #music #melodicdeathmetal #guitar #fearfactory #oncehuman #metal".

Although there has been no official confirmation on the matter, Hart is also rumored to have auditioned for the singer slot in FEAR FACTORY following the September 2020 departure of that band's original frontman Burton C. Bell.

After temporarily parting ways with FEAR FACTORY — the influential, gold-certified industrial metal band he co-founded — in 2002, guitarist and extreme metal pioneer Dino Cazares (also of BRUJERIA and ASESINO) began laying the foundation for a new project that would combine metallic aggression, muscular precision and melodic accessibility. Initially joining forces with acclaimed drummers John Sankey (DEVIL YOU KNOW, DEVOLVED) and Nicholas Barker (CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR) to write, Cazares eventually completed the album with drummer Tim Yeung (MORBID ANGEL, VITAL REMAINS, HATE ETERNAL) and vocalist Tommy Vext (BAD WOLVES, SNOT),Cazares's vision was realized, and DIVINE HERESY was born.

The group's first record, "Bleed The Fifth" — produced by former MACHINE HEAD/SOULFLY guitarist Logan Mader (GOJIRA, DEVILDRIVER) and featuring cover art from Joachim Luetke (ARCH ENEMY, KREATOR, DIMMU BORGIR) — was released in 2007 in North America via Century Media Records and by FEAR FACTORY's longtime home, Roadrunner Records, in Europe — received rave reviews from the global metal press. Metal Hammer called DIVINE HERESY "a quintessential 21st Century American metal band," while Kerrang! raved that the album "couldn't be more metal if it hung a massive V around the neck of the Eiffel Tower while gargling liquid mercury." The album also featured a guest appearance from guitarist Marc Rizzo (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, ILL NINO) and bassist Tony Campos (STATIC-X, PRONG, MINISTRY). After adding bassist Joe Payne (NILE),the band supported the album's release by touring extensively alongside the likes of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, ALL THAT REMAINS, STATIC-X, ARCH ENEMY, DARK TRANQUILLITY, SHADOWS FALL and CHIMAIRA, as well as appearing at Australia's Soundwave festival.

Unfortunately, DIVINE HERESY's initial lineup splintered in 2008 when Vext was let go, and Cazares, Yeung and Payne quickly rebounded with new vocalist Travis Neal (DIRGE WITHIN, THE BLOODLINE) and released their second album, "Bringer Of Plagues", in 2009. The record also saw the band's sound augmented by keyboards from Rhys Fulber (FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY). Produced by Mader once again, and featuring artwork from Anthony Clarkson (DEVIN TOWNSEND, KATAKLYSM, HYPOCRISY),the album — which cracked the Billboard Top 200 upon its release — was heavier than its predecessor, with AllMusic describing it as "a head-down, hair-pinwheeling metal album" and Kerrang! praising its "thunderous, jaw-dropping intensity." The band returned to the road with gusto, touring with the likes of MOONSPELL, GIGAN, AFTER THE BURIAL and 36 CRAZYFISTS, but soon after Cazares rejoined a new-look FEAR FACTORY, DIVINE HERESY went on hiatus.

"Bleed The Fifth" and "Bringer Of Plague" were released on vinyl in May 2021 via M-Theory Audio. "Bleed The Fifth" was released on black-and-white haze vinyl, while 2009's "Bringer Of Plagues" was offered on smoke-colored wax. Each record also included additional bonus tracks not contained on the original CD releases.

Latest Update:
I’m almost ready to write some new material w/ singer Lauren Hart. I will be handling all guitar and...

Posted by Divine Heresy on Monday, August 1, 2022

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Acclaimed rockers ALTER BRIDGE will release their seventh album, "Pawns & Kings", on October 14 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2019's "Walk The Sky" was once again recorded at Studio Barbarosa in Gotha, Florida with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who has previously worked with SEVENDUST, MAMMOTH WVH and SLASH, among others.

The animated music video for the LP's second single, the metal-leaning track "Silver Tongue", can be seen below. The clip, which was created and directed by Ollie Jones of Better Feeling Films (Myles Kennedy, PRODIGY, PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS),follows two characters who fall under the spell of a painting that comes to life. The painting drags the characters into a dark world and forces them to fight for survival in a classic battle of good versus evil.

"Pawns & Kings" is comprised of 10 all-new epic tracks that are sure to garner ALTER BRIDGE new fans around the globe while satiating their fervent supporters that have been patiently waiting for new music from the band.

From the opening riffs of "This Is War" to the title track album closer "Pawns & Kings", ALTER BRIDGE returns with an album of intense tracks that were born after the cycle for their last album was cut short by the global pandemic. Songs like "Dead Among The Living", "Silver Tongue" and "Holiday" showcase the signature songwriting the band is known for. The album offers numerous epic adventures, with three songs clocking in over six minutes each. The opus "Fable Of The Silent Son" has a running time of 8:29 and is the longest recorded song in the band's catalog — a distinction held by "Blackbird" until now. Guitarist Mark Tremonti steps out of his backing vocal role to take the lead on "Stay", an introspective ballad that is sure to become a fan favorite live.

"Pawns & Kings" track listing:

01. This Is War
02. Dead Among The Living
03. Silver Tongue
04. Sin After Sin
05. Stay
06. Holiday
07. Fable Of The Silent Son
08. Season Of Promise
09. Last Man Standing
10. Pawns & Kings

ALTER BRIDGE will be touring extensively in support of "Pawns & Kings". The band has already announced a tour of Europe for November and December that will make 25 stops over the course of six weeks. The trek kicks off November 1 in Germany and will make stops in Denmark, Sweden, Spain and others before it wraps on December 12 at O2 Arena in the United Kingdom. Longtime friends HALESTORM and MAMMOTH WVH will provide support on the upcoming European tour.

In a recent interview with Ian Danter of Planet Rock's "My Planet Rocks", Tremonti stated about "Pawns & Kings": "We're very proud of it. Our producer is absolutely in love with the record. I think if you're a fan of ALTER BRIDGE, you'll dig this record. We're very happy with it."

Asked if there will be any "heavy" Tremonti riffs on "Pawns & Kings", Mark said: "There are some heavy riffs on there. And it's funny because some of the heaviest riffs on the record [ALTER BRIDGE frontman] Myles [Kennedy] brought to the table. Even my producer is, like, 'I can't tell who's bringing what to the table anymore. 'Cause back when the band started, you were the heavy guy and Myles was the moody guy — [he would bring in] the ballady things — and we'd mix them up. And now you never know.' I think when you work with somebody long enough,

ALTER BRIDGE released a seven-song EP, "Walk The Sky 2.0", in November 2020 via Napalm Records. The effort contained live versions of a few of the band's favorites from "Walk The Sky" — "Wouldn't You Rather", "Pay No Mind", "Native Son", "Godspeed", "In The Deep" and "Dying Light" — as well as one new studio track, "Last Rites", which was written, recorded and completed entirely during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Tremonti issued the fifth album from his solo band TREMONTI, titled "Marching In Time", last September via Napalm Records.

Kennedy released his sophomore solo album, "The Ides Of March", in May 2021 via Napalm Records.

Tremonti recently partnered with National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to release an album of Frank Sinatra covers titled "Tremonti Sings Sinatra". The LP of selections from Frank Sinatra's catalog was made available in May as part of a new charity initiative created by Tremonti called Take A Chance For Charity. Proceeds from the album go to support NDSS and the work they do to advocate for and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann

WOLFSBANE guitarist Jason "Jase" Edwards has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer that there is currently no cure for.

The long-running British hard rockers broke the news of Jason's diagnosis in a social media post on Monday (August 1). They wrote: "As you all know, Jase played the Genius Tour with a fractured vertebrae. We actually found out in the van on the way up to Edinburgh! With no impact or injury, he's been having tests to ascertain the cause.

"It is with deep regret we have to inform you that Jase has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma," they revealed. "This is a bone marrow cancer that there is currently no cure for. It is however treatable. He started his first cycle of chemotherapy within 2 weeks of the tour ending and will hopefully go on to have a stem cell transplant in around 4 months' time.

"This has come out of the blue and is a massive shock to us all!

"He is mostly fine in himself and is looking forward to spending more time in the studio."

WOLFSBANE's first album in a decade, "Genius", was released in June. The artwork for the LP was designed by Simon "Mackie" Piasecki, who also created the covers for WOLFSBANE's 1990 EP "All Hell's Breaking Loose Down At Little Kathy Wilson's Place" and 1991's album "Down Fall The Good Guys".

WOLFSBANE's current lineup consists of Edwards, ex-IRON MAIDEN vocalist Blaze Bayley, bassist Jeff Hateley and drummer Steve Danger.

WOLFSBANE burst out of the Midlands in the mid-1980s, signed to Rick Rubin's Def American label in 1989, built up a massive following of (self-titled) "howling mad shitheads" (HMS) and released three raucous albums before imploding in 1994, when Bayley joined IRON MAIDEN.

WOLFSBANE reformed in 2011 to record its first studio album for 17 years, "Wolfsbane Save The World", released in January 2012 to huge acclaim.

Official Statement

As you all know, Jase played the Genius Tour with a fractured vertebrae. We actually found out in…

Posted by Wolfsbane on Monday, August 1, 2022

Original FOREIGNER singer Lou Gramm says that there might be a "more personal" reason his former band has not yet been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Artists are eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25 years after the release of their first album or single. Criteria for inclusion includes "the influence and significance of the artist's contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll."

Eligible since 2002, FOREIGNER has had a huge number of rock hits, including "Cold As Ice", "Double Vision", "Hot Blooded", "I Want To Know What Love Is", "Juke Box Hero" and "Urgent", and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, with no wins.

Asked in a new interview with Sleeve Saturday why he thinks FOREIGNER has yet to get the Rock Hall nod, Gramm said: "I think it's less about whether we're qualified and I think it might be more personal now. I know that at some point when a lot of our compatriots were being nominated and accepted into it, the bands and the artists that came up when we came up that were inducted into the Rock Hall Of Fame and we were left out, I believe that our manager at that time and Mick [Jones, FOREIGNER's founding guitarist] went to see the head of the Rock Hall Of Fame and had a discussion with him which led to some heated words. And as that discussion ended — I don't know who; it might have been Jann Wenner from Rolling Stone magazine, who actually was a very good friend of Mick's, I think he told Mick and our manager that it'll be a cold day in hell before FOREIGNER gets in the Rock Hall Of Fame. That's the way it ended up. And sure enough, I bet you 20 years has gone by since that."

Four years ago, Jones was asked by Tigman of the Q103 radio station in Albany if it means anything to him to get inducted into the Rock Hall. Jones responded: "Well, let's say it's not something I wrestle with or something that affects my life. Of course, it would be nice, but sometimes you wonder if it's a political thing more than a musical [thing] or [anything to do with] achievement. Because as far as achievements, we've certainly achieved a tremendous amount with the band. And we'll see. I guess someday. Who knows?"

Gramm was the voice on FOREIGNER's biggest hits, including "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice" from the band's eponymous debut in 1977, and later songs like "Hot Blooded" and "I Want to Know What Love Is".

The 72-year-old Gramm left FOREIGNER for good in 2002 and has battled health issues in recent years, including the removal of a non-cancerous tumor. He told the Democrat & Chronicle in 2018 that he was planning to retire, but still reunited with FOREIGNER for several shows that year to celebrate the band's 40th anniversary.

FOREIGNER replaced Gramm with Kelly Hansen in 2005. Jones, the only remaining original member of FOREIGNER, suffered from some health issues beginning in 2011, eventually resulting in heart surgery in 2012.

Gramm and Jones's June 2013 performance of "I Want To Know What Love Is" and "Juke Box Hero" at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in New York City marked the first time the pair performed together in a decade after Gramm left FOREIGNER for a second time. Hansen has fronted the group for the past 17 years.

FOREIGNER's last album, "Can't Slow Down", was the only full-length collection of new songs to have been released by the band since Hansen took over vocals. The album entered the Billboard Top 30, driven by the radio singles "In Pieces" and "When It Comes To Love". The band also has released a series of live albums and compilations, including 2016's "In Concert: Unplugged" and 2017's "40".

This past February, at least two months after he first approached Charlie Benante about taking part in a new PANTERA tour, singer Philip Anselmo spoke to The Pit about what he thought the band's late guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott would say about PANTERA's legacy. He said: "Dimebag and Vince always wanted this band to be a legacy band, to be massive, to be our own conduit to success, simply put. I think Dime and Vince — I know Dime and Vince — would want the legacy and the name of PANTERA to go on and on and on and in everybody's damn face. I know that for sure. Abso-fucking-utely, dude. That would be their biggest dream."

Last month, it was reported that Benante and guitarist Zakk Wylde, along with PANTERA's surviving members, Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, will tour as PANTERA, headlining a number of major festivals across North America and Europe and staging some of their own headline concerts.

According to a report by Billboard, Wylde and Benante's involvement in the project has been approved by the estates of PANTERA's late co-founders, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag.

Last week, Benante was asked during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" when he first got approached about taking part in the PANTERA tour. The ANTHRAX drummer said: "Oh, man. December [of last year]. End of December. I was talking to Philip, and then he just mentioned this. And I said, 'Oh, yeah, sure. Whatever.' And then it became real about January [or] February."

While he was alive, Vinnie Paul had repeatedly dismissed talks of a PANTERA reunion, telling Germany's EMP Rock Invasion in 2014: "People are selfish, man. They want what they want; they don't care what you want. And it's unfortunate that people go, 'Oh, wow, man, they can get Zakk Wylde to jump up there on stage and it's PANTERA again.' No, it's not, you know. It's not that simple. If Eddie Van Halen was to get shot in the head four times next week, would everybody be going, 'Hey, man, Zakk, go play for VAN HALEN. Just call it VAN HALEN.' You see what I'm saying? I mean, it's really selfish for people to think that, and it's stupid. It's not right at all."

He continued: "They call it a reunion for a reason. It's called bringing the original members back to what it was. So there's a lot of these things that they call reunions that aren't really reunions. They've got one dude from the band floating around in them, you know. That's not a true reunion. With PANTERA, it'll never be possible."

He repeated those same sentiments a few months later, telling PlanetMosh in a separate interview: "Without Dimebag Darrell, there is no [PANTERA] reunion. And that's all there is to it. We were a very influential band, and we touched millions and millions of people with that band, but it's over. People really have to come to grips with that, and that's all there is to it. If all of us were still here, then the possibility would truly be there, but since it's not, you know… It's selfish of the fans to want something that they can't have. And they don't ever understand that, and I get it. There's things I want in this world too. You know, people in fucking hell want ice water, but they're not gonna get it. So… Anyways, I'm glad that the people who have decided to follow me in HELLYEAH do, and hopefully more of them will. And the ones that wanna live in the past are gonna live in the past."

Up until his passing in June 2018, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmo, whom the drummer indirectly blamed for Dimebag's death.

Vinnie Paul and Dimebag co-founded PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTERA were stealing his thoughts.

Dimebag's longtime girlfriend Rita Haney in 2011 called on Vinnie and Philip to settle their differences in honor of Dimebag.

Vinnie, who is Dimebag's brother, and Anselmo had not spoken since PANTERA split in 2003. But the relationship got even more acrimonious when Vinnie suggested that some remarks the vocalist had made about Dimebag in print just weeks earlier might have incited Dimebag's killer.

Haney told the producers of "Behind The Music Remastered: Pantera" that she forgave the singer after they found themselves unexpectedly face to face at a concert in California.

The Offering has released their new track and music video for "Wasp". The song is off of the band’s forthcoming full-length album, Seeing The Elephant, which is set for release on November 4. Check out the band’s 7 minute politically-charged opening track, below.





With Seeing the Elephant, The Offering have woven together a record as rich, adventurous and heartfelt as anything you’re bound to hear anytime soon. Conceived during the chaos of the 2020 protests and the ensuing warzone of cultural upheaval, Seeing the Elephant is a challenging (and ultimately rewarding) record for extreme times.




“’Wasp’ is first and foremost a chew out,” states Alexander Richichi (vocals) about “Wasp”.


Nishad George (guitar) adds, “’Wasp’ is one of the most ambitious songs we’ve ever made. It was written only just a month before hitting the studio! We felt that with such a bold and emotionally charged album, we needed to set the mood and start as aggressive as possible. 'Wasp' is, to us, a seven minute statement to let everyone know that we are back, we have much to say, and that musically, we’re as free and unhindered as ever.”





Vocalist Alex Richichi and guitarist Nishad George construct a new framework from past work with the help of mixer Zach Weeks (Kvelertak, The Armed) at the Salem, Massachusetts’ renowned God City Studios, proving The Offering as a band that not only challenges the norm but one that will refine and redefine them.


In the past, the foursome have warmed crowds for diverse acts such as Primal Fear, Rhapsody of Fire, Prong, Genitorturers, 36 Crazyfists, and have been a fan-favorite at the main stage of the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival. Right before the release of Home they played European festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Fezen Festival and Gefle Metal Festival.





The Offering is:


Alexander Richichi (vocals)
Nishad George (guitar)
Spencer Metela (bass)
Steve Finn (drums)


(Top photo - Nick Chance; Band photo - Rossetti Photography)

Bay Area thrash metal band, Trauma, has parted ways with bassist Greg Christian, after both parties came to a mutual decision. The band wish Greg all the best in his musical undertakings.


Greg played bass on the band’s last two albums, As The World Dies and Awakening. Awakening will be released on September 9 via Massacre Records.


Michael Spencer, formerly with Flotsam And Jetsam and Sentinel Beast, has stepped in for the band’s appearances at the Little Devil Club on August 13 and the Alcatraz Festival on August 14.




“I’ve done shows in the past with both Brian and Joe and had a copy of As The World Dies, the band’s 2018 release,” says Spencer, best known for being the bassist to fill the unexpected void in Flotsam, after Jason Newsted quickly left the band for Metallica. “So when Brian called to see I’d be interested in helping the band fill their open bass spot for some European dates, after sending me few advanced tracks off Trauma's new album Awakening, I was in. Pretty impressive music coming from the guys that will be a blast to play live at Alcatraz Metal Festival, hopefully hanging with a few of my Belgian and Dutch friends.”
 
And Trauma is excited about playing on stage with Michael: "We are delighted to have Michael Spencer onboard for these shows."   


In addition to Brian Allen (vocals), Trauma's lineup that recorded Awakening features Joe Fraulob (guitar), Steve Robello (guitar), Greg Christian (bass), and Kris Gustofson (drums). Awakening was produced by Juan Urteaga and features artwork by Ioannis.


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





Tracklisting:


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


"Walk Away" video:





(Photo - Bill Towner, Red Nova Digital)

On a recent episode of the "Talk Louder" podcast, hosted by veteran music journalist "Metal Dave" Glessner and lifelong hard rock/metal vocalist Jason McMaster (DANGEROUS TOYS),QUEENSRŸCHE's Todd La Torre discussed how the fact that he is a longtime cigarette smoker has — or has not — affected his singing voice. The 48-year-old musician, who lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "[Legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James] Dio smoked forever. [Luciano] Pavarotti [one of the legendary Three Tenors and widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century] smoked forever. Granted, I think he died of lung cancer [laughs], but he sang like a fucking bird.

"Look, there's a great singer named Fabio Lione; he's an Italian guy," Todd continued. "And he's kind of that power metal, melodic singing. I mean, that guy smokes like a chimney. He's probably my age or in the same ballpark or older.

"I remember when I joined CRIMSON GLORY, some friends were saying, 'You should go to this singing coach. He taught Midnight [late CRIMSON GLORY singer]. Or Midnight took lessons from him. And so did…', blah blah blah. And I just went for an evaluation: What am I doing right? What am I doing wrong?" Todd recalled. "I don't know what I'm doing; I'm just doing whatever I do. He said, 'You know how many people come to me like you?' And I said, 'Probably a lot.' He goes, 'Very few.' He goes, 'You have amazing technique. You have…' blah blah blah blah blah. 'But now we're gonna go… I wanna find your weaknesses. Let's try to build those up.'

"People go, 'Do you warm up? Do you do this?' Ninety percent of the time, I literally — if I'm just being honest — I'll have a coffee and I'll smoke and the pre-roll is rolling and I'll go [have a final puff of the cigarette]. Then I walk out and I sing. And I've done that forever.

"[The voice coach] said… I said, 'Look, I'm a smoker.' He's, like, 'I'll give you my honest opinion on this. I've been a professional voice coach for…' blah blah blah. He goes, 'Look, it's unhealthy. I'm not gonna sit here and tell you it's healthy. It's not. It's bad for your health.' He goes, 'As far as singing, in my opinion, [after] doing this for 40 years, I don't think that it will ruin your singing voice at all. I think that, number one, everyone is different. But he said it's all conditioning.

"It's funny 'cause there are people that will smoke weed but don't smoke cigarettes," La Torre added. "And they'll be, like, 'Smoking cigarettes is bad for you.' They don't consider themselves smokers 'cause they're smoking weed. I'm, like, 'Listen, you're inhaling smoke, which is an irritant and it will dry you out. And you're still sucking that stuff down.'

"You hydrate from the inside out, so when you pass water down your voice, yeah, it might be a little soothing but you're not necessarily hydrating the vocal folds in the way that your body will be hydrated through consuming water and that going to the tissues and muscles and things like that. So it's a conception that people think, 'Oh, if I just drink something, the liquid passing down my throat is gonna somehow make my vocal cords all good.' So I drink water throughout the day. I don't drink — I've never been drunk in my life; I've never smoked weed in my life; I've never done any drugs other than nicotine, which I'll admit it. I quit for two years. Many years ago, there was an illness in the family, and then, out of the stress, I started again. It was a very serious illness that was happening in my family. But for those two years that I quit, and I was still singing like I do, I never sang better. It didn't change my voice at all; I wasn't singing higher because of it. It was the exact same.

"People will sit there and say, 'Oh, he didn't hit that note. The smokes are not working out for him.' But then the next night I'll go out and crush it," La Torre said. "And I smoked a pack since then. And so what are they gonna say then? It's, like, never mind I'm talking; I'm in a tour bus with recirculating air; there's people getting sick all around you; I just performed 17 QUEENSRŸCHE songs in a row, which is — let's be honest — it's not easy stuff for people to sing, so it's a very vocally demanding thing.

"I'm not trying to defend smoking, but it's a very fair comment that, 'Hey, it's probably not doing you any favors.' I agree with that — it's not."

Philip Anselmo (PANTERA),Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT) and Udo Dirkschneider (ACCEPT) are among the other hard rock and heavy metal singers who have admitted to smoking cigarettes in the past.

In a 2009 interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford said that he "quit smoking" a long time ago in order to better take care of his voice.

Back in 2014, former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno insisted his voice was in better condition than Halford's even though he was still drinking and smoking. "I'm hitting notes Rob Halford can't hit anymore," Paul said at the time. "And the reason is I don't fuss over it. Some people go, 'I've got a slight cough; let's cancel the whole show. If you look at my touring schedule, it's brutal. Normally I do this five, six, seven days a week. I still smoke, I still drink — I still have it, mate."

In a 2013 interview with Myglobalmind, PRETTY MAIDS singer Ronnie Atkins, who is now battling stage four cancer, joked that the secret to keeping his voice in shape was "20 cigarettes a day and little drink now and then."

Pop superstar Lady Gaga admitted in a 2020 interview that she used to smoke "40 cigarettes all day long" before finally quitting.

According to Tobacco Free Life, "the effects of smoking on your vocal folds are almost entirely negative. You might be able to get a raspy quality in your singing you wouldn't be able to achieve otherwise, but you'll [experience an] impact on your range, the control you have over your voice and your stamina as a performer."

In a December 2021 interview with Sally Steele of Vegas Rocks! Magazine, original QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate was asked if he ever drank or smoked in the earlier years of his career. "[I did] everything," he responded. "[But] I didn't make it a habit. I like to drink; that's no secret. I'm a drinker, absolutely. I don't think those things are going to necessarily keep you from singing, as long as you keep things in moderation and exercise… You've gotta keep things in check. Smoking definitely is not a good thing, though. I [smoked cigarettes] when I was a kid — when I was young. [But] I had to [stop]."

HANOI ROCKS guitarist Andy McCoy has once again slammed MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx over his account of his heroin overdose, as published in CRÜE's best-selling band autobiography, "The Dirt: Confessions Of The World's Most Notorious Rock Band" and "The Dirt" biopic.

The 59-year-old Finnish-born musician, whose real name is Antti Hulkko, discussed his relationship with Nikki in a new interview with IndiePower. McCoy said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I'm not a farm boy like Nikki Sixx; I'm from the inner city. And I can't stand bullshit — like his books; [they're] full of lies. I saved the guy's life," he added, apparently touching upon a time when he supposedly revived Sixx after a heroin overdose. "And he makes up stories."

Referring to another one of Sixx's tales — of supposedly getting pummeled with a baseball bat on the floor of a London dealer's flat after another overdose — Andy said: "I mean, I used to play baseball. You think someone would survive if I [hit] him with a baseball bat? Hell no! Hell no, man."

Circling back to the time when he "saved" Nikki's life, Andy said: "I fucking got him revived, got his heart beating again. And the thank you I've gotten has been 'de nada'. I mean, de nada," he reiterated, using the Spanish phrase for "it's nothing." "And that makes him a second-class citizen in my eyes. 'Cause he only thinks about the buck."

HANOI ROCKS drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley was killed and two other people were seriously injured when CRÜE singer Vince Neil, whose blood alcohol level was 0.17, which was over the legal limit, smashed his car into another vehicle in Redondo Beach, California in December 1984. Last month, Andy told Artists On Record Starring ADIKA Live! that he "never even got as much as an apology from that motherfucker. You know who I'm talking about," he said. "I'm not gonna give any names. Why would I give him fame? Fuck him!

"Every time I see him, he runs away," he continued. "Because he knows what I'd do. But that's our business."

Referencing the fact that Neil and GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose publicly traded insults in 1989 after Vince reportedly accused then-GN'R guitarist Izzy Stradlin of assaulting his wife, Andy said that he would never do anything "like Axl did" with the epic GUNS N' ROSES diss track "Get In The Ring". "No. I'm a freakfire," he said. "I'm from the inner city. [Vince is] from fucking suburban California. You can never compare us, what we know. You read me, bro."

Also last month, McCoy called CRÜE "fucking ripoffs" for embarking on "their 25th goodbye tour or something," referencing CRÜE's current North American shows as part of "The Stadium Tour".

When "Waste Some Time With Jason Green" video podcast host Jason Green noted that he likes the fact that Andy is "so open" about his feelings about the CRÜE, McCoy said: "I speak the truth, mate. I don't lie, like Nikki Sixx, through my fucking teeth."

McCoy was then asked about CRÜE's decision to title their box set "Music To Crash Your Car To", a move that HANOI ROCKS frontman Michael Monroe had previously called "beyond disrespectful". "I thought, and Michael Monroe thought, [that] was the tackiest title, thinking about what had happened… That was in real tacky, bad taste," Andy said. "If you're European like me, it's something you don't do. You respect other people. You just don't wanna make a buck for yourself. You respect other people."

Speaking about the two people who sustained lifelong injuries in Neil's car crash, Andy said: "People forget about those two. I remember. I never forget. People tend to forget about them. And that was horrible. It was just plainly wrong. Fifty yards to the liquor store. I thought they'd walk. But no, this motherfucker — I don't care to mention his name; you know who he is — had to show off his second-hand fucking ugly Pantera, which ain't even a nice car to me."

When Green mentioned that the circumstances surrounding the incident were exaggerated in both the "The Dirt" autobiography and biopic, Andy said: "Like the party in that movie, the MÖTLEY CRÜE movie, in some mansion. You know what really happened? We were in a two-bedroom apartment. It was five people there. When I saw that movie, or clips of it, I was, like, 'I don't wanna see the whole movie. This is bullshit again. Hollywood bullshit.' [HANOI ROCKS bassist] Sami [Yaffa] was passed out on the sofa, and Vince's pregnant wife, who was on her seventh or eighth month. That's who was there, [along with me and MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee]. So the movie is just pure lies and bollocks again. And I can't go for that kind of crap. I want the reality out."

When Green mentioned that it is obvious how much of an influence HANOI ROCKS had been on MÖTLEY CRÜE in the early years, Andy said: "You can bloody see, can't you?"

Sixx previously addressed McCoy's criticisms of "The Dirt" in a 2005 interview with Wisconsin-Music.com. Asked about Andy's claim that certain things that are described in "The Dirt" are "pure lies", Sixx laughed and said: "You know what I love about that? You've got a has-been that never was just fuckin' grabbing at straws to get attention. I mean, c'mon, man. And nothing he says makes any fucking sense. You ever read the interview where he said that his band sold more records than our band? I was like, 'Dude, are you crazy!' [mimics McCoy] 'We sold fifty million records and they sold forty, we were a bigger band than them.' And I'm like, 'Dude, why do you care about my ass so bad? You won't stop talking about it.' He's got a fuckin' crush on me or something."

When the interviewer noted that HANOI's association with MÖTLEY CRÜE came about primarily because of the car accident that killed Razzle, Nikki said: "Sure. It's a very sad thing to happen, but dude, stop already trying to get attention for yourself. He's like the drunk chick at a party that won't stop splashing everybody. But she has bad tits. Stop! [Laughs] No one's gonna fuck ya. No matter — Andy, no matter how much you talk about MÖTLEY CRÜE, your band still isn't gonna make it. Figure it out. I mean, go talk about Keith Richards; maybe that will give you another fuckin' one album sale. [Laughs]"

In a 2005 interview with Metal Express, Andy called the description of the events surrounding the tragic car accident caused by Neil in CRÜE's autobiography "bullshit" and "pure lies." He explained: "I was there. What happened was Razzle disappeared, and so did Vince. The rest of us were chilling out, man. And he had a wife who was seven months pregnant. After an hour or so, she started getting worried. So me and T-Bone, Tommy Lee, took his car and we went looking for him. We drove past this accident. So I was like, 'What color was the car he was driving around?' 'Hey, man, we just passed the fucking scene of an accident with a bright red sports car all smashed up.' I saw Razzle's hat on the street, I went up, 'What the fuck's happened?' They said, 'You have to go to this and this hospital.' In the hospital, I walk in with Tommy, and I was asking about Razzle, and this doctor walks up, 'Anybody here know this guy called Razzle?' I said, 'Yeah, I do, his family.' 'Sorry, your friend has passed away.' I thought he might have a broken leg or something. I had to call the band, and you don't tell this kind of news over the telephone. I asked them to come to the hospital. And it was a pretty sad scene altogether."

In the same interview, McCoy was asked if he had spoken to any of the members of MÖTLEY CRÜE since publicly voicing his displeasure over "Music To Crash Your Car To". "The only one I talk to nowadays is Tommy Lee," Andy replied. "I don't know… Nikki Sixx has got something against me. Maybe he doesn't like that I tell the truth about his fucking heroin overdose. He was never beat up with no fucking baseball bats. The only place he got beat was on his heart to keep it going and with my hands, and giving him a breath of life. And he's a lard-ass anyway, so it wasn't easy carrying him around and trying to get him to wake up — fucking dragging him to the shower and shit. And then having to read how he was O.D.ed and beaten up with baseball bats and all this crap. C'mon, wake up. I warned him that the stuff was strong. But he wanted to be a tough boy, but with that kind of shit, you don't wanna be a tough boy, 'cause it might be a very thin line between life and death you're playing with. Is it worth it? No."

For his role in the Redondo Beach crash, Vince was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol. His blood alcohol level was 0.17, which was over the legal limit. Neil served half of a 30-day jail sentence, received five years probation and had to pay $2.6 million in restitution, as well as perform 200 hours of community service.

Two years ago, Monroe told "The Classic Metal Show" that he was "not interested at all" in seeing "The Dirt". Monroe went on to say that the car accident "certainly destroyed a lot of people's lives. I've never blamed anybody — you can't blame anybody for an accident — but a lot of people's lives were shattered, "he said. "As well as the two teenagers who got paralyzed in the accident; I've heard that there was no mention of them either [in the film].

"It's a depressing subject and it's always like opening a can of worms," Michael continued. "And I just don't wanna get into all that. It's just useless."

Back in 2004, Monroe slammed MÖTLEY CRÜE for the band's decision to title a box set "Music To Crash Your Car To", calling the move beyond disrespectful and referring to Sixx as "shallow," "ignorant" and "stupid". "The 'Mostly Crude' gotta be as dumb as they are to have done that," he told Metal Sludge. "I'm not only talking about Razzle, but also for the other families involved in the accident... As we've previously stated: The most tasteless and murderous gimmick to cash in on the past we've ever heard of. There's nothing 'cool' or 'funny' about death or winding up a paraplegic for life. How low can you go? I'd say this gave bad taste a bad name."

Three years later, Monroe publicly apologized to Sixx, saying that his "unflattering comments" about the bassist were "really childish and stupid." He explained: "I just took it a bit personally when they called their album at the time 'Music to Crash Your Car To'. I thought it was inappropriate since it came across as if they were making fun of the accident, which I'm sure was not their intention."

In 2011, Monroe gave Sleaze Roxx his take on what happened that night: "There was an accident, and unfortunately our drummer was killed. As far as Vince Neil, I have nothing to say. It was an accident. What happened happened, and it can't be changed. Everybody suffered from the whole thing."

Even though HANOI ROCKS was formed in Finland, their trashy, hedonistic, decadent hard rock/pop-metal boogie influenced many Los Angeles acts, including CRÜE and GUNS N' ROSES.

HANOI ROCKS originally broke on to the hard rock scene in the first half of the 1980s, becoming one of the first Finnish bands to make an international impact. HANOI ROCKS's career was subsequently derailed after the death of Razzle. Internal tensions and the commercial disappointment that was 1985's "Rock & Roll Divorce" led to Monroe leaving the band that year, thus putting an early end to HANOI ROCKS.

CRÜE fans who shelled out for the band's 2014/2015 "farewell" tour were led to believe that the group would never return after playing its final show on December 2015 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The band touted the signing of a pre-tour "cessation of touring" agreement as cementing the fact it truly was the end of CRÜE's life on the road.

Nashville metal band, Orthodox, have just released their new track and music video for “Dissolve”. Watch the clip below.


"Time kills everything,” states frontman Adam Easterling.  







Orthodox will release their new full-length album, Learning To Dissolve, on August 19 via Century Media Records. Pre-orders are available here.





Learning To Dissolve tracklisting:


"Feel It Linger"
"Head On A Spike"
"Cave In"
"Become Divine"
"Digging Through Glass"
"Nothing To See"
"1 1 7 6 2"
"Dissolve"
"Fast Asleep"
"All That I Am"
"Voice In The Choir"


"Head On A Spike" video:





The sound of Orthodox is the opposite of what most associate with the laid-back energy and country-fied twang of their native Nashville, Tennessee. Orthodox’s distinct, nu-metal-tinged brand of metallic hardcore has carved its own lane with their Century Media debut, Learning to Dissolve. Learning To Dissolve is the punctuation on a journey that began with 2017’s Sounds of Loss. From the inception, Orthodox were nothing short of a standout, blending together riffs that wouldn’t be out of place on a Slipknot record coupled with Easterling’s blunt, Jonathan Davis-esque howls. But, like their sonic brethren in Knocked Loose or Vein.FM, while the influence of the 90’s/00’s is there, Orthodox doesn’t merely pay homage to their influences, it exceeds them.


Written during the global pandemic and world shutdown of 2020, Learning to Dissolve was born of frustration. That is, until Easterling and guitarist Austin Evans began to really dig in. Recording in the dead heat of Summer with producer and mixer Randy Lebooeuf (Thy Art Is Murder, Kublai Khan) at Graphic Nature Audio in Belleville, New Jersey, found the band in creative overdrive, ripping their songs apart.


While 2019’s Let It Take Its Course focused on the duality of love and anger Learning to Dissolve is born of intense self-reflection. It digs deeper than most metal or hardcore records. Not surprisingly, that ethos has echoed throughout Orthodox’s existence as a band, whose members past and present come from backgrounds rooted in straight-edge hardcore.


Orthodox is:


Adam Easterling (vocals)
Austin Evans (guitar)
Shiloh Krebs (bass)
Mike White (drums)


(Photo - Nick Chance)

For its 40th anniversary, Pollstar, the trade publication dedicated to covering the worldwide concert industry, has created two special charts that reflect the overall impact of box-office realities during the four decades of the Pollstar Era, beginning in 1980 through the present. The two special charts present the "Top Touring Artists Of The Pollstar Era", both ranking the top 150 headlining acts during Pollstar's entire history. Each listing is comprised of cumulative totals for each artist and compiled from all the thousands of box-office reports Pollstar received since the early 1980s. Both charts present the Top Touring Artists, but one is ranked by gross and the other by the number of tickets sold. For both, Pollstar has counted only headlining shows for each act, omitting results from any festival appearance since the festival itself is eligible to rank on the All-Time Boxoffice chart, as many of them have. Pollstar also did not include any event where the touring artist participated as a support act.

Notable acts included on the "Top Touring Artists Of The Pollstar Era: Boxoffice Grosses" list:

#9 METALLICA ($1,219,599,179)
#23 GUNS N' ROSES ($751,306,152)
#27 AC/DC ($668,427,967)
#41 KISS ($532,363,017)
#42 DEF LEPPARD ($514,231,844)
#44 IRON MAIDEN ($475,817,777)
#51 MUSE ($413,911,387)
#55 FOO FIGHTERS ($397,110,491)
#63 MÖTLEY CRÜE ($367,345,912)
#65 PEARL JAM ($351,816,504)
#73 RUSH ($341,767,928)
#89 Vans Warped Tour ($296,571,532)
#91 VAN HALEN ($295,611,828)
#97 ZZ TOP ($278,705,470)
#99 SCORPIONS ($271,865,172)
#100 TOOL ($269,044,896)
#113 QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT ($225,209,819)
#119 GREEN DAY ($204,959,692)
#132 OZZY OSBOURNE ($186,754,231)
#143 Ozzfest ($174,320,095)

Notable acts included on "Top Touring Artists Of The Pollstar Era: Tickets Sold" list:

#6 METALLICA, with 19,468,173 tickets sold for a gross total of $1,219,599,179
#22 AC/DC, with 11,512,424 tickets sold for a gross total of $668,427,967
#23 DEF LEPPARD, with 11,321,650 tickets sold for a gross total of $514,231,844
#27 Vans Warped Tour, with 10,524,715 tickets sold for a gross total of $296,571,532
#30 KISS, with 9,867,419 tickets sold for a gross total of $532,363,017
#35 IRON MAIDEN, with 9,187,132 tickets sold for a gross total of $475,817,777
#36 ZZ TOP, with 9,104,788 tickets sold for a gross total of $278,705,470
#42 MÖTLEY CRÜE, with 8,748,806 tickets sold for a gross total of $367,345,912
#43 RUSH, with 8,593,428 tickets sold for a gross total of $341,767,928
#44 GUNS N' ROSES, with 8,470,755 tickets sold for a gross total of $751,306,152
#53 VAN HALEN, with 7,483,253 tickets sold for a gross total of $295,611,828
#63 PEARL JAM, with 7,006,815 tickets sold for a gross total of $351,816,504
#66 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, with 6,846,945 tickets sold for a gross total of $391,478,473
#78 MUSE, with 6,124,001 tickets sold for a gross total of $413,911,387
#80 OZZY OSBOURNE, with 6,006,522 tickets sold for a gross total of $186,754,231
#83 SCORPIONS, with 5,864,625 tickets sold for a gross total of $271,865,172
#84 FOO FIGHTERS, with 5,815,511 tickets sold for a gross total of $397,110,491
#88 PINK FLOYD, with 5,662,178 tickets sold for a gross total of $159,560,275
#105 GREEN DAY, with 4,764,387 tickets sold for a gross total of $204,959,692
#109 TOOL, with 4,483,293 tickets sold for a gross total of $269,044,896
#118 POISON, with 3,911,113 tickets sold for a gross total of $77,878,900
#120 Ozzfest, with 3,802,261 tickets sold for a gross total of $174,320,095
#149 LINKIN PARK, with 3,211,166 tickets sold for a gross total of $164,426,28

Back in 2019, less than a year before the coronavirus pandemic took hold of the globe, Pollstar named METALLICA one of the top-earning hard rock and metal tours of the "2019 Midyear" reporting period, which covered the six-month range from November 22, 2018 to May 22, 2019. The group's 21 North American "WorldWired" arena shows during the reporting period grossed a total of $41.7 million, good for an average per-show gross of $1.99 million. With an average attendance of more than 16,000, the band moved nearly 350,000 tickets altogether. On a per-show basis, METALLICA did even better internationally, as five of the six European stadium concerts the group performed in May 2019 grossed a combined $28 million thanks to an average attendance of more than 58,000. Altogether, the band grossed $69.7 million in the six-month reporting period, making the group the fourth highest-grossing act in the world during that time behind only Elton John, Pink and Justin Timberlake — each of whom sold fewer tickets but had a higher average ticket price.

METALLICA played its first concert of 2022 on February 25 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show, which was reportedly attended by 60,000 fans, featured support from GRETA VAN FLEET and ICE NINE KILLS.

The Las Vegas show took place more than two months after METALLICA's two 40th-anniversary concerts at Chase Center in San Francisco, California which featured different setlists. They were part of METALLICA's "San Francisco Takeover", a four-day citywide celebration of the band's 40th anniversary that also included a film festival, photo exhibit and curated lineup of smaller venue shows featuring other acts.

In February, METALLICA announced it will perform only two U.S. summer stadium shows in 2022: Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York on August 11, and PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 14. Both shows will feature special guests GRETA VAN FLEET and ICE NINE KILLS.

METALLICA previously played at Highmark Stadium on July 25, 1992, and Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Stadium on July 26, 1992.

Acclaimed rock/metal guitarist Jim Matheos (Fates Warning, Arch / Matheos) has joined with powerhouse rock vocalist Steve Overland (FM) to create the new group, Kings Of Mercia. Accompanying the duo on the upcoming debut album are Matheos' Fates Warning bandmate Joey Vera on bass, and legendary drummer Simon Philips. The self-titled album will be released on September 23 via Metal Blade Records and is now available for pre-orde.


Today, Kings Of Mercia are pleased to share the first single, "Wrecking Ball". Watch the visualizer for the single below.


Jim Matheos had this to say about the song: "'Wrecking Ball' was the first song I wrote for what would become Kings Of Mercia, it's also the opening track on the album. I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to do musically but this one came together very quickly and naturally without too much forethought. The combination of simple but heavy riffs along with Steve's powerful vocals sets the tone and mood for the rest of the record."




Steve Overland on the track: "'Wrecking Ball' is a great introductory track for what Kings Of Mercia are all about, and a great taster for what to expect from the rest of the album. A powerful hard hitting, anthemic rock track, with melody and great individual performances from all the band."





The album will be available on CD, LP, and digital formats. Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"Wrecking Ball"
"Humankind"
"Sweet Revenge"
"Set The World On Fire"
"Too Far Gone"
"Liberate Me"
"Nowhere Man"
"Everyday Angels"
"Is It Right?"
"Your Life"


"Wrecking Ball" visualizer:





Best known as the founding guitarist for Fates Warning, but with countless other projects under his belt - including Arch / Matheos and most recently Tuesday The Sky - Jim Matheos is incapable of stifling his creativity. In early 2021, he started working on the songs that would become Kings Of Mercia's self-titled debut album, bringing his distinct style yet doing something a little different. "I started writing without any real idea of what direction I wanted to go in or what I was going to do with the material. The first few songs came together quickly and were a bit more straightforward than I'm used to, and I really liked that idea, kind of going back to my early heavy/hard rock roots." Not having any pre-conceived ideas of what the record should or would end up sounding like, at least early on, certainly helped, "as did the fact that it's our first record, so there was nothing to measure it against or expectations to live up to, even if only in my own head."


Churning out songs, Matheos' next concern was to find the musicians who would help him realize the material, and his first priority was a vocalist. It was his friend Jeff Wagner who suggested FM's Steve Overland, and another friend, rock journalist Dave Ling, who put them in touch with each other. "Jim had asked Dave for my contact details, we talked about his idea for mixing the two styles, his heavier background, with my melodic/bluesier direction," says Overland. "We decided to try a collaboration on one song and see how it worked, we came up with the track "Humankind", and we both loved it." Having already settled on this hard rock direction, it was only once Matheos got the first couple of songs back from Overland that it became all the way clear of the shape the record would take, with the vocalist sending over his parts every few weeks, everything gradually coming together.


Behind the kit for the record is the legendary Simon Phillips (ex-Toto, Derek Sherinian), one of Matheos' favorite drummers. "I decided to contact him on a whim, not really expecting that he'd be available or interested in this project. But, to my surprise, he liked the music and was able to fit some recording into his schedule. It's an honor to share a credit with him and I couldn't be happier with what he added to the record." Rounding out the group is bassist Joey Vera - Matheos' Fates Warning bandmate - who brings his trademark style and professionalism to the table. "My old friend and co-worker Joey Vera was a natural choice for bass. Not only did I know he would deliver performance-wise, but it was nice to have a familiar face among the new personalities." With these players involved it was an easy, stress-free process throughout, making music for the love of it, and coming up with something that sounds familiar yet new, expanding the repertoire of all involved. This means songs like the half-acoustic ballad, half-swaggering "Too Far Gone" or the beautiful "Everyday Angels", and the soaring "Wrecking Ball", which opens the record on a high note, all brought to life in dynamic style.


Lineup:


Jim Matheos - Guitars
Steve Overland - Vocals
Joey Vera - Bass
Simon Phillips - Drums


(Photo - Jeremy Saffer/Scott Towns)

Neurot Recordings, in conjunction with Rocket Recordings, presents Liminal, the second LP from UK-based industrial/electronic hybrid act Petbrick, formed by Wayne Adams (Big Lad, Johnny Broke) and Iggor Cavalera (Sepultura, Cavalera Conspiracy, Soulwax). Confirmed for release in late September, today the cover art, tracklisting, pre-orders, and more have been posted. A video for the lead single, “Primer”, can be found below.


With eleven futuristic, dystopian movements, Petbrick’s Liminal unloads an intense but organic biomechanical sound possibly derived from the realms of industrial, death metal, hardcore, EDM, ambient, and more while defying any direct genre confines, as heard on their prior LP, multiple EPs and singles, collaborations with labelmates Deafkids, and more. Liminal was recorded and mixed by Wayne Adams at Bearbiteshorse Studio in London, mastered by Stephen Kerrison at Tall Trees Audio Mastering, and completed with art direction/design by Chris Reeder and Petbrick and Liminal logo by Iggor Cavalera. The record contains guest contributions from Steve Von Till (Neurosis), Jacob Bannon (Converge), Paula Rebbeledo (Rakta), and rappers Lord Goat and Truck Jewelz.


The lead single and opening track to Petbrick’s Liminal, “Primer”, has been issued through a video directed by Wayne Adams, who writes, “‘Primer’ is a brutal smash to the face; a slow build lets rip with an unholy blast of thunderous drums and blasts of crushing distorted kick drums. The video for ‘Primer’ is a visual feast of lo-fi glitch and rot, tapping into the initial dread, horror, and release of a journey inwards.”




Liminal will see release on vinyl and digital formats September 23 in North America through Neurot Recordings and in Europe via Rocket Recordings. Find North American pre-orders here and international pre-orders here.





Tracklisting:


"Primer"
"Arboria"
"Pigeon Kick"
"Raijin"
"Lysergic Aura" (featuring Lord Goat and Truck Jewelz)
"Damballa"
"Ayan"
"Grind You Dull" (featuring Jake Bannon)
"Chemical Returns"
"Distorted Peace" (featuring Paula Rebellato)
"Reckoning" (featuring Steve Von Till)


"Primer" video:





Petbrick has also confirmed tour dates supporting Converge and Full Of Hell this Fall, the tour running from November 6 through the 13th.
Watch for additional live actions to be confirmed over the weeks ahead.





Dates:


November
6 - Electric Brixton - London, UK
7 - La Cigale - Paris, France
8 - Vooruit - Ghent, Belgium
9 - Doornroosje - Nijmegen, Netherlands
10 - Columbia Theater - Berlin, Germany
11 - Felsenkeller - Leipzig, Germany
12 - Kulturfabrik - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
13 - Essigfabrik - Köln, Germany


(Photo - Al Overdrive)

June 2021 saw the release of Helloween's new self-titled studio album. Media and critics were cheering almost breathlessly, but the fans were the ones who catapulted the album straight to #1 in Germany and Spain, into the Top 5 of seven countries and worldwide 15 times into the best of the year album charts. Everybody was united in their opinion: these 12 tracks generated their own genre universe and leave all competitors behind, even after 35 years of band history.





Helloween are now finally touring to present their new songs alongside Swedish templars of steel, HammerFall, around the globe since early May. An extensive journey which saw them also stopping by at Prague's prestigious O2 Arena where they performed for 14,000 crazy pumpkinheads a few weeks ago - and where they were surprised themselves in the form of receiving gold awards for sales of their recent  album in the Czech Republic!




Watch the video about this history-charged evening - captured by Markus Dörnberger (www.doernberger.de) - below:





As a special treat for all vinyl collectors and to mark the occasion, various Helloween back catalogue albums but also a few new variants of their now "golden" self-titled record will be released by Atomic Fire on September 30, and can be pre-ordered here.





Find Helloween's tour itinerary and ticket links here.


(Photo - Martin Häusler)