Fan-filmed video of the final show of JUDAS PRIEST's 2022 North American tour, which concluded last night (Wednesday, April 13) at FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, can be seen below. The trek kicked off on March 4 at Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois and featured support from QUEENSRŸCHE.

PRIEST is scheduled to launch a European tour on June 3 in Gdańsk, Poland. The trek will run through August 4 at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany.

The British heavy metal legends were forced to cancel their April 4 concert at Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell in Lowell, Massachusetts after singer Rob Halford came down with "a bit of a cold," according to JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner.

PRIEST returned to the live stage on April 7 at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It marked the band's first performance since April 2 when PRIEST played at the Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Fans who attended PRIEST's concert in Mashantucket reported that Halford seemed to be feeling sick and was struggling to hit the high notes during the band's set, as evidenced in some of the fan-filmed video clips which have since surfaced online.

Halford recently publicly revealed that he battled prostate cancer during the pandemic. He previously mentioned his cancer battle in the new chapter added to the updated paperback edition of his autobiography, "Confess". In "Confess", Halford revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer after experiencing symptoms for at least a couple of years.

In July 2020, Rob underwent prostatectomy, an operation where the entire prostate gland is removed plus some of the tissue around it, including the seminal vesicles. After more cancer was found last year, he went through radiation treatments in April and May 2021 and eventually got then all-clear in June 2021. He also had an appendectomy after a tumor was discovered on his appendix.

Faulkner suffered an acute cardiac aortic dissection during the band's performance at the Louder Than Life festival in late September. Faulkner was rushed to the UofL Health - Jewish Hospital where the cardiothoracic surgery team needed approximately 10 hours to complete a life-saving surgery.

PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease eight years ago after being stricken by the condition at least half a decade earlier. Tipton announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of "Firepower". He was replaced by "Firepower" producer Andy Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.

SHINEDOWN has performing a cover of FOO FIGHTERS' "Wheels" during its current tour as a tribute to FF drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died last month while on tour in Colombia. Fan-filmed video of SHINEDOWN's Zach Myers, Eric Bass and Barry Kerch playing the track during their April 11 headlining concert at Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota can be seen below. Myers handled lead vocals for the song, which was originally recorded for FOO FIGHTERS' "Greatest Hits" album with producer Butch Vig.

Hawkins was found dead on March 25 at the Four Seasons Casa Medina hotel in Bogota.

An official cause of death for Hawkins hasn't yet been released. But on March 26, Colombia's attorney general's office released a preliminary toxicology report, saying that medical examiners found evidence of 10 types of substances in Hawkins's body, including opioids, benzodiazepines, marijuana and antidepressants.

When Taylor's death was first announced, Myers took to social media to share a photo of the drummer and he wrote: "If you’ve ever wondered about the impact one human could make on an entire community, look at your timeline today …. It's filled with this man … who was one of the nicest, coolest and most talented people on this earth …. You'll be sorely missed … Our love and thoughts and prayers go to the Hawkins family and the FOO's."

Hawkins joined FOO FIGHTERS in 1997. Prior to that, he played with the Orange County band SYLVIA and was also in the backing band for Sass Jordan. He also toured with Alanis Morissette as her drummer.

Hawkins was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last year as a member of the FOO FIGHTERS.

Hawkins's most recent work with FOO FIGHTERS included last year's "Medicine At Midnight" album, a collection of BEE GEES covers and FOO FIGHTERS' horror film "Studio 666".

Earlier this week, SHINEDOWN decided to move the release date of its new album, "Planet Zero", to July 1 from the previously announced April 22 due to delays in physical production of vinyl and CDs. The high-concept, ultra-vivid, viscerally charged album, which sees SHINEDOWN taking on the forces that keep us divided at a time when we need to be coming together, was produced by Bass (who also helmed the band's 2018 acclaimed album "Attention Attention") and recorded at Bass's newly built Big Animal Studio in South Carolina.


























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MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has blasted people who object to his stage banter, saying they shouldn't be attending his band's concerts anyway.

The 60-year-old guitarist/vocalist, who has a history of making wacky political conjectures, made his comments during MEGADETH's performance last night (Tuesday, April 12) at Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado as part of the group's "The Metal Tour Of The Year" with LAMB OF GOD.

Mustaine said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The last couple of nights I've been talking from the stage. It's been a long time, and we've all been waiting for live music again. And there's some people who have taken exception to some things that I've said from the stage the last couple of nights. And I thought to myself, 'Well, if you don't like what I'm saying, why are you at a MEGADETH concert?' If you don't like what I'm saying, fuck you. First Amendment, right? Freedom of speech. Fuck you. That's what I say. Don't take shit from anybody ever."

Just two days earlier, during MEGADETH's concert on Sunday (April 10) at the Tucson Arena in Tucson, Arizona, Mustaine claimed that he "peed on the floor" of the White House bathroom three decades ago. The musician, who went to the White House in 1992 with the "Rock The Vote" campaign for the Democratic National Convention coverage, told the audience that he was "proud" to represent the metal community, before adding: "When I went up to the White House, I was so proud to be able to go up there and say, 'Fuck you. You think we're stupid? We are not stupid, motherfuckers.' By the way, when I went into the White House, I went into the royal — whatever the fuck it's called — White House bathroom, and I peed on the floor. I had to. I had to."

James LoMenzo is playing bass for MEGADETH on the second U.S. leg of "The Metal Tour Of The Year". 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 returning original MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson.

In addition to MEGADETH, LoMenzo has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde and WHITE LION. For the past nine years, LoMenzo has been performing with iconic rocker John Fogerty.

LoMenzo played his first show with MEGADETH in nearly 12 years last August in Austin, Texas. The concert took place three months following Ellefson's dismissal from MEGADETH after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving him were posted on Twitter.

MEGADETH's new album, "The Sick, The Dying, And The Dead", is tentatively due on July 8. The follow-up to 2016's "Dystopia" features a cover of DEAD KENNEDYS' "Police Truck" and Sammy Hagar's "This Planet's On Fire", the latter of which includes vocals from Hagar himself.

The bass tracks on "The Sick, The Dying, And The Dead" were laid down by Steve DiGiorgio, 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.

There had been speculation about DiGiorgio's involvement in the new MEGADETH LP since last July, based on a Cameo video Mustaine recorded in which he offered the first glimpse of the bassist that re-recorded Ellefson's bass tracks on the much-anticipated MEGADETH effort.

Danish/American rock and rollers VOLBEAT have released the official music video for the song "Temple Of Ekur". The clip, which was directed by Shan Dan and VisualHype, can be seen below.

"Temple Of Ekur" is taken from VOLBEAT's eighth studio album, "Servant Of The Mind", which was released in December via Republic Records.

Revolver called "Servant Of The Mind" "excellent… the darkest and heaviest VOLBEAT offering yet." For the LP, the band, which consists of Michael Poulsen (guitar, vocals), Larsen, Rob Caggiano (guitars) and Kaspar Boye Larsen (bass), took its signature heavy metal, psychobilly and punk 'n' roll sound up a notch while showcasing Poulsen's keen ability for songwriting and storytelling. "Rarely has such a successful band sounded so ravenous," says Kerrang! magazine of the album.

"Servant Of The Mind" was written and recorded during the shutdown and quarantine necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The LP includes the "double barrel" of summer songs the band released last June: "Wait A Minute My Girl" and "Dagen Før" (featuring Stine Bramsen), the former of which became the band's ninth number one single on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

For "Servant Of The Mind", the band took its signature heavy metal, psychobilly and punk 'n' roll sound up a notch while showcasing Poulsen's keen ability for songwriting and storytelling.

"I wrote the whole album in three months," recalled Poulsen, "I was in a good place and mood while at home, and had a captive audience of myself… There are a lot of VOLBEAT signatures in it. If you go back to the first record and compare it to where we are now, you can hear how the band has developed its style, while keeping the signature sound."

Previously released single "Shotgun Blues" is an anthemic track in which Poulsen explores the ghostly events he recently experienced upon moving into a new home. Other songs on the album weave intricate and fascinating tales. "The Sacred Stones" tells the story of "an earthly being who has committed himself to the dark side. He is on a mission, speaking to darker forces and fallen angels." Meanwhile, "The Devil Rages On" looks at the idea of the devil taking human form. The aforementioned album opener "Temple Of Ekur" returns to the ancient themes explored in past songs such as "The Gates Of Babylon", while the epic album closer "Lasse's Birgita" explores the story of the first witch burnings to occur in Sweden in 1471.

Photo credit: Ross Halfin

World-acclaimed keyboardist Derek Sherinian (SONS OF APOLLO, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), one of the most significant keyboard players of the modern era, will release a new album, "Vortex", on July 1 via InsideOut Music. Returning alongside Sherinian is legendary drummer Simon Phillips, who once again co-wrote and co-produced the album, as well as Tony "The Fretless Monster" Franklin on bass.

Sherinian comments: "I am very happy to announce the release my new album 'Vortex'. Simon and I always try and out do ourselves with every release, and I am confident we achieved our goal."

The follow-up to 2020's "The Phoenix", "Vortex" includes eight tracks built on his signature chameleonic sound that blends rock with elements of funk, prog, and jazz, which he started writing even before "The Phoenix" was finished. "'Vortex' is a continuation of 'The Phoenix'," Sherinian states. "However, I feel the composition is stronger on the new album, and I would describe it as a modern-day '70s-style fusion record, but with newer heavier tonality."

When it came to guitars, Sherinian recruited a who's who of great players, some of whom he had worked with before — Steve Stevens, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Zakk Wylde, his SONS OF APOLLO bandmate Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal — and a few new allies, in the form of Michael Schenker, Mike Stern and Nuno Bettencourt. "The choice of guitarist works itself out in the writing," he explains. "Also, like in the case of Steve Stevens, we co-wrote the song together, so it was natural for him to play on it." Of his new collaborators, he says of Bettencourt, who appears on the scratchy "Fire Horse": "I have always been a fan of his playing, and I am glad that we finally got to record together. He has the Van Halen swing and swagger to his playing that I love. We were both born in 1966, the Chinese year of the Fire Horse."

According to Sherinian, Schenker's inclusion was a no-brainer. "Michael Schenker has been one of my heroes for many years," Derek says. "He asked me to play on his 'Immortal' album, and in return, he agreed to play on 'Die Kobra'. I wanted to write a great song inspired by my favorite Schenker tracks. Zakk Wylde added some great additional parts to the song, and Tony Franklin and Simon Phillips sound great, as usual."

"Vortex" track listing:

01. The Vortex (feat. Steve Stevens)

02. Fire Horse (feat. Nuno Bettencourt)

03. Scorpion

04. Seven Seas (feat. Steve Stevens)

05. Key Lime Blues (feat. Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather)

06. Die Kobra (feat. Michael Schenker, Zakk Wylde)

07. Nomad's Land (feat. Mike Stern)

08. Aurora Australis (feat. Bumblefoot)

Sherinian has more than made a name for himself. After all, Music Radar deemed him "a true shredder," adding that "his virtuoso playing has seen him dubbed the keyboard-playing version of Eddie Van Halen" in 2020. Moreover, in 2021 he was voted "Greatest Keyboardist Of The 21st Century" and the eighth "Greatest Keyboardist Of All Time" by the same site, and Prog magazine saw him voted the ninth "Greatest Keyboardist Ever". But then you don't rack up a resumé such as his without some serious chops, having worked with the likes of DREAM THEATER, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, Billy Idol, WHITESNAKE — David Coverdale stating in 2020 "Derek plays like the son of Jon Lord" — KISS, his current band SONS OF APOLLO and Alice Cooper, who in 1989 called him the "Caligula of keyboards."

MOTIONLESS IN WHITE will release its new album, "Scoring The End Of The World", on June 10 via Roadrunner Records. The official Max Moore-directed music video for the LP's second single, "Masterpiece", can be seen below.

Last month, the Scranton, Pennsylvania quintet shared the first single "Cyberhex", along with an official music video directed by the band's guitarist Ricky Olson and Logan Beaver.

In an interview with Rock 100.5 The KATT's Cameron Buchholtz, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE frontman Chris "Motionless" Cerulli stated about "Cyberhex": "We were trying to decide what was the first song, and it was interesting that everybody in the band all felt the same way. Normally when you're working with labels, they wanna put out the song that's like the big radio song or the easier digestible track, whatever, and we just never really wanted to do that. And even though there were moments when we've been, unfortunately, kind of forced to do that, this time I feel like we're in a spot in our career where we're just, like, 'No. We're gonna go ahead and do what we want.' And we had a good track record of doing what we want versus what other people influence us to want to do, and this song is definitely on pace to really help the album and the whole rollout. So it feels really cool.

"The next track we put out will definitely be more like 'Another Life' and 'Voices'-type track," he continued, apparently referencing "Masterpiece". "I can understand why a label would want that, because if you look at our… Just go to Spotify — I mean, 'Another Life' and 'Voices'… 'Another Life' has double the amount of plays as the next highest song, which is 'Voices', and then the next highest song is 'Brand New Numb'. So, very obviously, people can say that they want the heavy tracks and we're going to deliver that, but the songs like 'Another Life' are really, at this point, I guess you would say our bread and butter, 'cause that's what people want. So, for us, it's, like, let's start it off really hot and really heavy and then we'll switch over to the more, like, here's the singalong track that just hits you hard and… We'll take a little break from the heavy. And we'll circulate back. That's what we do."

When "Cyberhex" was first released, Cerulli said: "'Cyberhex' is my love letter to you, our fans, for everything you have done for me over the course of some of the most mentally taxing few years I've had to go through. At times where I felt like my world was ending, as well as the world around us, it was always in my mind that I was able to turn to the special relationship we have created together for help, and I cannot thank you enough for that. Outside of my own personal experiences, it has been equally as fulfilling to me to see that in the face of tireless forces that continue to try and perpetuate hatred and negativity towards so many of us coexisting on this planet, we have all stood together to resist and fight back knowing that love and compassion will always prevail. We ARE the resistance. We ARE Cyberhex. I love you. Thank you."

"Scoring The End Of The World" fully encompasses the expanse of MOTIONLESS IN WHITE's dynamic, deep, and dark vision, and marks the band's first full-length body of work in three years since 2019's "Disguise". The latter has quietly made a major impact on rock music and culture. The single "Another Life" stands out as their most-streamed song ever with over 23 million YouTube views on the music video. The record claimed a spot on Loudwire's "50 Best Metal Albums of 2019," plus it ignited the creative renaissance that would set the stage for the statement-making "Scoring The End Of The World".

Last month, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE kicked off a massive triple co-headline North American tour. Dubbed the "Trinity Of Terror" tour, the run features the unholy triumvirate of MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, BLACK VEIL BRIDES and ICE NINE KILLS and is the first time ever that fans get to see all three bands on the same stage each night. The coast-to-coast outing, which sees the three bands alternating closing sets each night, launched on March 17 in Mesa, Arizona and is making stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, and more, before wrapping up with a performance at Norfolk's Chartway Arena on April 27.

Last year, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE unleashed the standalone single "Timebomb". It has gathered 5.7 million Spotify streams and 1.6 million YouTube views on the music video. Earning critical acclaim, Loudwire hailed it as "dark but uplifting — and heavy," and Kerrang! urged, "prepare your neck."

Photo credit: Rockcandyphoto

Gene Simmons spoke to ET's Kevin Frazier about KISS's "End Of The Road" farewell tour, which launched in 2019 and is scheduled to end sometime in 2023, 50 years after the band's formation.

"We start playing the outdoor stadiums of South America, literally within two weeks, and continue on to Europe and Australia and eventually North America, Japan, all that stuff. Mexico," Simmons said. "And this is going to be the last tour. We're done."

"We're approaching 50 years of doing this, which is unbelievable because we never thought we'd last more than a few years," he added.

Gene went on to say that he and fellow KISS co-founder Paul Stanley are in agreement that it's time to retire from the road.

"The last thing that you want to do is be a guy that stays in the ring too long and gets his ass beat," Simmons said. "Get out of the ring when you're a champion.

"You got to understand — we love [Mick] Jagger and Bruno Mars and Bono and anybody else, they're all great, but if you put those guys — Beyoncé, put Beyoncé in my outfit with seven-to-eight-inch platform heels, dragon boots that each weigh as much as a bowling ball, the entire outfit, studs, leather and armor is about 40 pounds," he explained. "The guitar and the studs is 12 pounds by itself. Then, you got to spit fire, fly through the air and do that for two hours. They would pass out within a half hour."

"We are the hardest-working band out there and take pride in it," Gene added. "And not every band should be out there too long. You've got to have some pride and not stay too long. Always keep them wanting. I'm the most blessed and grateful guy in the world to be able to be in a band where I can wear more makeup and higher heels than your girlfriend."

KISS launched was forced to put its farewell trek on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last October, Stanley said that the final concert of the "End Of The Road" tour will likely happen by early 2023.

"End Of The Road" was originally scheduled to conclude on July 17, 2021 in New York City but has since been extended. The trek was announced in September 2018 following a KISS performance of the band's classic song "Detroit Rock City" on "America's Got Talent".

KISS's current lineup consists of original members Stanley and Simmons, alongside later band additions, guitarist Tommy Thayer (since 2002) and drummer Eric Singer (on and off since 1991).

Formed in 1973 by Stanley, Simmons, drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley, KISS's first "farewell" tour in 2000 was the last to feature the group's original lin

The Tangent, the progressive/jazz-rock collective led by Andy Tillison, announce the release of their 12th studio album, Songs From The Hard Shoulder, on June 10t. This album sees The Tangent focusing almost entirely on their long format songs or "epics" with only one song being less than 16 minutes long.


Today, you can check out an edit of the album’s opening track and first single “The Changes (single edit)”. Listen below.


Andy Tillison comments: “'The Changes' was written in the depths of the first and strictest of the Covid Lockdowns. During this strangest of times there was an emptiness in all of our lives and this song explores my own such feelings in that time. I began to wonder whether the band would ever meet again, and more importantly, how long it would be before I could see my family again. Some of the song is focused on the minutiae of being on tour with a band... not so much missing the gigs, the stages and the playing, but missing he crazy little things like not being able to find a hotel, being lost and the general camaraderie that is all around when a band is out on the road. It’s important to say that this single edit is just 5 minutes of what is a 17-minute song – and this only gives a hint at what is there in the full version... which includes a standout Luke Machin guitar solo of unbelievable quality which isn’t represented in this at all...”




With Songs From The Hard Shoulder, the band (who are celebrating their 20th year in the business) have audibly focused on the compositional structure of this album which in the case of the three long pieces is also highly complex and "thought out" - from a luscious and uplifting song about loneliness in Covid lockdown, to a full on 17-minute long jazz/prog/canterbury fusion instrumental, to a darkly electronic story of a homeless woman with shades of Nine Inch Nails, Po90, Japan and Van Der Graaf lurking within.


The album's final track is the 4 minute bouncy Motown-style track "Wasted Soul", where the band anticipate a wonderful day in the future when the pandemic is over forever. Early editions and the Vinyl Edition will include the bonus track "In The Dead Of Night" which is of course a cover version of the classic song by UK.


The album is available now for pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"The Changes" (17:06)
"The GPS Vultures" (17:01)
"The Lady Tied To The Lamp Post" (20:52)
"Wasted Soul" (4:40)
"In The Dead Of Night" (Bonus) (16:11)


"The Changes" (single edit):





The band lineup remains from the previous two albums as Andy Tillison (Vocal/Keyboards), Jonas Reingold (Bass), Luke Machin (Guitar/Vocals), Steve Roberts (Drums) and Theo Travis (Sax & Flute).


(Photo - Sally Collyer)

Jon Bon Jovi, who has never been known as a particularly technical singer, has been receiving scathing reviews for his performances during BON JOVI's current U.S. tour which kicked off April 2 in Omaha, Nebraska. The tour is in support of the album "2020", which was released in October of that year.

In his review of BON JOVI's April 3 concert at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Ross Raihala of the Pioneer Press called Jon's vocals "shockingly poor," adding that Bon Jovi "struggled throughout the two-plus-hour show. He wasn't just butchering the older stuff, which the band now plays in a lower key, but the fresh material as well… Quite frankly, it felt like he had forgotten how to sing."

Théoden Janes of The Charlotte Observer was a bit kinder in his assessment of Jon's voice at the fourth concert on the new tour, which came to Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 8. In his review of the performance, Janes wrote: "Throughout the band's rendition of 2004 promo single 'The Radio Saved My Life Tonight', it felt like [Jon] was searching for the right note and only finding it 60 to 70% of the time. During every chorus of megahit 'You Give Love A Bad Name', he seemed to unintentionally be singing a little behind the beat, and on top of that, there wasn't much punch to his vocals — yet he inexplicably seemed somewhat out of breath in spots. On another big anthem — 'It's My Life' — he once again was quite clearly veering into and out of key. And those were just three out of the first five songs."

Kevin Coffey reviewed BON JOVI's tour kick-off concert for Omaha World-Herald and noted that "[Jon's] voice's heft, which carried choruses of songs like 'Livin' On a Prayer' and 'It's My Life' is now reedy. He sounds thin. There's not a lot of tone in his voice. He can't quite hit the notes… Luckily for Jon Bon Jovi, he had the help of six additional musicians and their considerable vocal abilities to keep him afloat."

BON JOVI's current tour marks the band's first full-scale run of shows of the pandemic era. Dubbed simply "Bon Jovi 2022 Tour", the 15-date trek is scheduled to conclude on April 30 in Nashville.

After BON JOVI's summer 2020 tour was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the now-60-year-old singer remained in the public eye by performing at benefit shows, livestreamed gigs and taking part in promotional appearances.

Last October, Jon Bon Jovi canceled his appearance at a Miami Beach concert after testing positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The singer, who is said to be fully vaccinated, pulled out of the fan event minutes before he was supposed to take the stage for an acoustic Halloween performance at the Loews South Beach.












@bonjovi I’ve never walked out of a concert in my life. Until tonight. Good lord that was painful. Jon has lost it - vocals were painful.

— Ellie Feldman (@peacebabieEJF) April 9, 2022








I cant defend @jonbonjovi any more …… man your vocals are embarrassingly bad and you need to stop now …… #BonJovi .

— Brad Metters (@bradmett) April 11, 2022








Absolutely adore the guy and absolutely agree. Richie carried a lot of the vocals previously and I’m not sure why they haven’t gotten some better backing vocal support for JBJ since RS quit

— L Griebel (@LGriebel) April 10, 2022








Watching the videos of this current Bon Jovi tour has me wondering if I've seen them for the last time. I just can't imagine another tour with Jon's vocals in this state. It makes me sad, really.

— Trevor Barnette (@trevor_barnette) April 7, 2022








You know why Jon Bon Jovi sounds like this? Richie Sambora carried his vocals in the background for years & covered for him as Jon started to lose his voice. Another reason why Richie left was he was doing way to much work, got burned out & exhausted. Been a fan since the start.

— “Winkie” Gotti! ? (@WinkiesWord) April 7, 2022








The videos from the Bon Jovi shows are hard to watch. I love the band and always will but Jon is really struggling. I really wish him and Richie could sort things out and Richie could help on vocals. This doesn’t mean I’m not a true fan, it’s just been realistic to the situation

— Phe23 (@PabloWFC) April 6, 2022








I saw him in Omaha on Friday night & was absolutely shocked. I am a huge fan & this was my third time seeing the band in concert. I love Jon Bon Jovi, but his vocals were awful. Considering the price we paid for our tickets, it was a huge disappointment.

— Stephanie Jones (@sjjones75) April 4, 2022

Jimmy Page says that he is working on "multiple" projects.

Although the LED ZEPPELIN guitarist reportedly turned down an offer to contribute a guest solo to Ozzy Osbourne's new album, he has since revealed that he hasn't been sitting idle.

"There's various things I'm working towards," Page told Classic Rock magazine in a new interview. "It's not just one thing, it's multiple things, and I don't want to even give a hint, because if you do … you give a one-sentence sound bite, and then if it doesn't materialize, it's like: 'Why didn't you do a solo album?' So I don't want to say what it is that I've got planned, because I don't want to give people the chance to misinterpret it."

He later added cryptically: "I really can't put on record what the new record is. I'll leave it to your imagination. The thing is there are so many ways I could present myself right now. Actually, not right now. I'll rephrase that: within a space of time."

Page also suggested that pandemic-related restrictions played a part in his decision to opt out of collaborating with Osbourne.

"I will never be one of those people who'll record alone and send someone a file," Page said. "I never went into music in the first place to do that — it was for playing together."

The full interview with Page is available to read in the 300th issue of Classic Rock magazine.

Page previously made similar comments about his future plans in a recent interview with Uncut magazine.

"I have got ideas and projects in mind — several possible things I could do — but I won't discuss them, because if you give one sentence of something that might turn into a lengthy project then people start asking when it's coming out," he said. "I keep my cards close to my chest with what I am doing, because I don't want to let the fans down."

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith, who played on Osbourne's upcoming album, recently said the LP was initially supposed to feature "the holy trinity" of guitarists, but that Page decided against taking part in the project because he doesn't "play too much anymore," according to Smith.

In 2020, Page said he "reconnected with guitar" and he confirmed that he was staying busy during the pandemic, saying: "I'm never not doing something, and I'm never not doing something that's going to surprise people. But I've always got ideas, and the day that I wake up and haven't got any ideas of what to do and how to do it, that for me will be a very sad day. And that day looks like it's some way off yet."

In October 2018, LED ZEPPELIN released its first and only official illustrated book, "Led Zeppelin By Led Zeppelin". It was a unique collaboration between Page, singer Robert Plant and bassist John Paul Jones, who gave Reel Art Press unrestricted access to the LED ZEPPELIN archive.

ZEPPELIN last performed in December 2007 in London, with drummer Jason Bonham filling in for his late father John Bonham

Art Griffin’s Sound Chaser was assembled piece by piece over the course of several years to record the music of Art Griffin. First with guitarist Kelly Kereliuk, then with drummer Steve Negus (best known for his work with Canadian rock legends Saga) and finally with the addition of electric violinist Victoria Yeh.


Work began on what was to be the first album in 2012. Gradually as the musicians rounded out the lineup, the first album, Visions From The Present was completed. Released in 2016, the album comes adorned with a stunning Roger Dean cover. Roger also designed the AGSC logo.


Now, with the help of some special guest artists, Jamie Glaser (Jean-Luc Ponty Band), Todd Sucherman (Styx), Michael Sadler (Saga), Frank Wyatt (Happy The Man) and keyboardist Sarah Westbrook, along with the core four AGSC members, the second album The Seven Ages Of Starlight is now available.







The new album was written by Art from 2015 to 2017. Recorded primarily at his Artsounds Studio with the exception of the drums. Steve recorded his drums at his Blue Room Studio and when Todd Sucherman came on board to record two tracks, they were recorded at his studio in Texas. Most of the guitar and violin solos were recorded at Artsounds but after the Covid outbreak were recorded at the players residences and takes/retakes were done online. The album was mixed by Art Griffin with additional mixing done with Adam Fair at his Villa Sound Studio. The album was mastered by Phil Demetro at Lacquer Channel in Toronto, Canada.


Says Art, “AGSC III is already written and recording is underway. We are essentially a Recording Act but the possibility for a gig or two and the recording/filming of the same could potentially come to fruition. Video footage is always being posted on our FB page.”


Get the album here.

In a new interview with Keefy of Ghost Cult, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's follow-up to 2018's "Firepower" album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're in the process of putting it together. Obviously, that process has been stalled somewhat due to COVID the last couple of years. Now that [the COVID restrictions] have been lifted, we're now on a touring cycle. So now there's that challenge to deal with in terms of putting the record together. But we're gonna try to work around it. In between tour legs, we're gonna try to get the stuff recorded.

"Rob [Halford, PRIEST singer] always says, 'It'll be done when it's done; it's finished when it's finished.' At this stage of their career, there's no point in rushing anything. It'll be done when it's done. And I think that's the best way of putting it. We'll try to get it done as we can, and you guys will be the first to know when it is."

According to Faulkner, the new PRIEST album is already written. "It's kind of in demo form," he explained. "We've got a batch of songs in demo form that are ready to be recorded properly, and we've got the drums done. Everything else needs to be done, really. So in terms of being written, it's written, but we need to record it properly and everything like that. So it's not really anywhere near done. But when it's done, it's done."

This past February, Halford was asked by Remy Maxwell of Audacy Check In if he agreed with Faulkner's recent comment that the band's upcoming album will be more musically "progressive" than "Firepower". He responded: "Yeah, the metal is there. But here's the thing: we've tried our best not to replicate anything that we've done. From 'Rocka Rolla' all the way through to 'Firepower', each record has had a distinctive character. And it's tough because fans go, 'We want another 'Painkiller',' 'We want another 'British Steel'.' And [it's, like], 'Dude, we've already done that.'

"Fans know that we're a band that is always full of adventure and trying new stuff," he continued. "And so, yeah, this has got probably some more progressive elements that we've never really delved into before. And that's exciting, because, again, it gives us and our fans another opportunity to see a different side of PRIEST. But it's still metal. There's just more of it. There are more notes than there were before."

Also in February, Faulkner told Canada's The Metal Voice about the overall sound of the new PRIEST music: "Whenever you start a record, you never know how it's gonna turn out. So you might start with an idea of what it's gonna be, and as it kind of rolls on, it comes out something different. So you don't quite know. And also it's really hard to sum up your own music, I find, without sounding really pretentious. But I think this one — it's not 'Firepower 2', I don't think. It's its own thing, it's its own animal. If anything, I would say it's a bit more progressive in places, and in places it's got a bit more of that 'Killing Machine' swagger."

Faulkner added: "I know everyone says, 'Oh, is it the next 'Painkiller'?' or 'Is it the next…?' whatever… I don't know if they'd ever done it, but I know we've never done it when I've been in the band; we've never tried to recreate an album. It's always we try to create an album that stands on its own legs. So I think it's definitely a little bit more progressive than 'Firepower' and, as I said, in places it's got a little bit of that 'Killing Machine' angry swagger attitude going on. But again, as I said, we're waiting to see what it turns out like, 'cause it could turn out completely different."

A year ago, Halford confirmed that PRIEST's next album will see the band reuniting with the "Firepower" production team consisting of Andy Sneap, longtime collaborator Tom Allom and engineer Mike Exeter (BLACK SABBATH).

Bassist Ian Hill is the sole remaining original member of PRIEST, which formed in 1969. Halford joined the group in 1973 and guitarist Glenn Tipton signed on in 1974. Rob left PRIEST in the early 1990s to form his own band, then came back to PRIEST in 2003. Founding guitarist K.K. Downing parted ways with the band in 2011, and was replaced by Faulkner.

Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease eight years ago after being stricken by the condition at least half a decade earlier. Tipton announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of "Firepower". He was replaced by Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.

Faulkner suffered an acute cardiac aortic dissection during the band's performance at the Louder Than Life festival in late September. He was was rushed to the UofL Health - Jewish Hospital where the cardiothoracic surgery team needed approximately 10 hours to complete a life-saving surgery.

California's Ceremony have released their new 12”, "Vanity Spawned By Fear", just ahead of their North American spring 2022 tour. "Vanity Spawned By Fear" is the legendary, acclaimed punk band’s first standalone single of their career: an infectious take on new musick, glam, and moody synth.


"Vanity Spawned By Fear" is available now digitally, and in a limited edition, one-time-only vinyl pressing. A video for the song can be found below.







Ceremony guitarist Anthony Anzaldo Jr. comments: “We do our best to keep futility a secret, a cognitive exercise with feeble reward. The Poppy field reminds us that not all things are meant to be altered. In California, Vanity is spawned by fear.”





Ceremony embark on their North American spring 2022 tour next week - April 21 through May 29. The run includes select sold out shows with Turnstile and additional headline dates with Citizen.


(Photo - Nedda Afsari)

Mass Worship have released a guitar playthrough video for “Scorched Earth”, from the recently released full-length album, Portal Tombs. Watch below:





Portal Tombs is a terrifying but electrifying exploration of the gloomy depths of human nature: a monolithic manifestation of the musical force that is Mass Worship. The album features guest appearances by Jonas Stålhammar of At The Gates, Mark ‘Barney’ Greenway of Napalm Death, and Jonas Renkse of Katatonia/Bloodbath.




“It’s pretty mind-blowing to have members of such inspirational pioneers on our own album”, says the band.


Drawing inspiration from bands such as At The Gates, Mastodon and Meshuggah, Mass Worship could be likened to many bands, but somehow forge their musical identity into something exceptionally distinctive and transcendent, and with enough confidence and conviction to win over even the most orthodox fans of the genre.


Order your copy of Portal Tombs at this location.





"Specular Void"
"Portal Tombs"
"Revel In Fear"
"Orcus Mouth"
"Unholy Mass"
"Dunes Of Bone"
"Scorched Earth"
"Empyrean Halls"
"Deliverence"


“Empyrean Halls” visualizer:





“Orcus Mouth” video:





"Portal Tombs"  guitar playthrough video:

Emperor's Fire & Demise: Into The Infinity Of Darkness is due for release on April 30, and available for pre-order now.


The official 14-tape box set with the complete works from Norwegian black metal legends, Emperor, is housed in a heavy luxurious matte black case-wrapped box with silver hot foil stamped printing. This box is strictly limited to 1,000 hand numbered copies.







Contents:


Tape 1: Wrath Of The Tyrant
Tape 2: Rehearsal ’92
Tape 3: Emperor
Tape 4: In The Nightside Eclipse
Tape 5: The Akkerhaugen Tapes (incl. never heard rehearsal from ’95)
Tape 6: As The Shadows Rise
Tape 7: Reverence
Tape 8: Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk
Tape 9: IX Equilibrium
Tape 10: Split With Thorns
Tape 11: Emperial Live Ceremony
Tape 12: Prometheus - The Discipline Of Fire And Demise
Tape 13: Live At Wacken Open Air 2006 - A Night Of Emperial Wrath
Tape 14: Live Inferno


Includes:


- massive 300 page hardcover-book with many unseen pictures and tons of new liner notes and interviews
- metal-pin
- 3 regular patches
- shaped backpatch
- flag
- 7 posters
- numbered certificate (signed by Samoth, Ihsahn and Trym)


Pre-order here.