Kid Rock will release his new album, "Bad Reputation", digitally on March 21. Physical CDs will be available on April 6.

"Bad Reputation" will include the three songs Kid Rock released in January — "We The People", "The Last Dance" and "Rockin'" — as well as his November 2021 single "Don't Tell Me How To Live", which was recorded with Canadian hard rockers MONSTER TRUCK.

"We The People" features the chorus of "Let's go, Brandon," conservative code for "Fuck Joe Biden" (born when a NASCAR reporter misheard a crowd, reporting that they chanted in support of racer Brandon Brown when they were actually chanting expletives toward the U.S. president), and also takes aim at the mainstream media, CNN, TMZ, Twitter and Facebook, as well as mask mandates and COVID-19 restrictions.

"We the people in all we do reserve the right to scream, 'Fuck you!" Kid shouts in the song. "Wear your mask. Take your pills. Now a whole generation is mentally ill," he adds.

Elsewhere in the song, he raps: "COVID's near. It's coming to town. We gotta act quick, shut our borders down. Joe Biden does, the media embraces. Big Don does it, and they call him racist.

"Inflation's up like the minimum wage. So it's all the same. Not a damn thing changed," he exclaims.

He then calls for politically polarized Americans to come together, saying: "We gotta keep fighting for right to be free. And every human being doesn't have to agree. We all bleed red, brother, listen to me. It's time for love and unity."

The track concludes with sampled crowd chanting, "Let's go, Brandon."

In a Facebook video announcing the three tracks in January, Kid Rock described "We The People" as a "hard rock-rap tune."

"[It's] about, well, all the craziness going on in our world in the last few years and the politics and the polarization and social justice," he said. "You know, constantly for just being a Trump fan attacked in the media day in day out."

He added: "I don't mind taking a punch, but I hit back, motherfucker, and I hit hard."

As previously reported, Kid Rock will join forces with FOREIGNER and GRAND FUNK RAILROAD for a U.S. tour this spring summer. JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING will appear on select dates, with a special appearance by Trey Lewis at all shows. The 24-city "Bad Reputation Tour" will kick off on April 6 at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, making stops across the U.S. in Nashville, Boston, Chicago, and more before wrapping up with two shows in Detroit.

"Bad Reputation" track listing:

01. Don't Tell Me How To Live (feat. MONSTER TRUCK)

02. We The People

03. My Kind Of Country

04. Bad Reputation

05. Never Quit

06. Shakedown (feat. Robert James)

07. Rockin'

08. The Last Dance

09. See You Again

10. Still Somethin'

11. She's Your Baby (Now Rock Her)

12. Never Enough

13. Everything To Me

14. Cold Beer

15. Ala-Fu**In'-Bama

16. Am What I Am

17. The Nashville I Know

18. Fifty

In a new interview with Australia's May The Rock Be With You, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS drummer Eric Kretz was asked if he and his bandmates have had any discussions about using the coronavirus downtime to work on new material. The 55-year-old musician responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, there was at first, but then it kind of goes into, 'Do you guys wanna do a record?' And we're so disappointed that we finished the 'Perdida' record [STP's first-ever acoustic album] and then we weren't able to tour it. And I think in some ways, it was actually very therapeutic just to take a break — just take a break. The whole world is hurting right now, and it's just, like, 'Let's just hang out with our families.' We all have kids around the same age, so let's just really enjoy them growing up and deal with the hardship of just the constant lockdowns and the stresses that were going along with COVID. So I'm sure what's gonna happen is now, after a couple of years break, I know Dean [DeLeo, guitar] worked on a record, TRIP THE WITCH, and Robert [DeLeo, bass] has been working on a really cool solo record. So everybody's just kind of doing their own thing. And what you're gonna find out now is I bet right when this [upcoming Australian] tour is done, it's gonna be, like, 'Let's start a new record. Let's do this [and] keep going.' And then, as we're lining up tours for the States and for Europe for the rest of the year, I think it's just gonna be, like, 'Let's keep jumping in the studio.'"

Regarding whether "Perdida" is indicative of STP's future direction or if that album was just a "one-off experimental thing," Eric said: "It was just experimental. I'm sure you know from our catalog, we've always had a song or maybe two that were similar to that. And it was just, 'Let's just do a whole record like that.' And the majority of it we wrote here at my place where I have a studio. We just sat around the couch with a couple of acoustics and some hand drums and just kind of arranged the songs and put the lyrics together and just kind of got it all together. And then recording was sometimes it'd be a few of us together, sometimes it'd be one person at a time or two people at a time, and just kind of developing the layers. And Robert and Dean really had some great ideas with expanding what they wanted to do with the harmonies and melodies and continued to use instruments that we haven't touched on before. So in that sense it was a different avenue for us to take.

"I would say the next record — my guess is it's probably gonna be the hardest and loudest record we've ever had, just to say, 'Okay, we've done that. Now let's do this and let's try something different,'" he added. "Or it could be totally a mixture of the two. We kind of don't know until we get there. In a few more months, like I said, we'll probably be itching to record again."

In November, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS scrapped the remaining shows on their tour — including an appearance at the Welcome To Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, Florida — after a "member" of the band's "organization" tested positive for COVID-19.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS features three original members — the DeLeo brothers and Kretz.

Singer Jeff Gutt, a 45-year-old Michigan native who spent time in the early-2000s nu-metal act DRY CELL, among other bands, and was a contestant on "The X Factor", joined STONE TEMPLE PILOTS after beating out roughly 15,000 hopefuls during an extended search that began more than a year earlier.

Original STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland, who reunited with the group in 2010 after an eight-year hiatus but was dismissed in 2013, died in December 2015 of a drug overdose.

Chester Bennington, who joined STP in early 2013, departed nearly three years later to spend more time with his main band LINKIN PARK. Bennington committed suicide in July 2017.

"Perdida" was Gutt's second LP with STP. His recording debut with the group was on its self-titled seventh album, which arrived in March 2018.

Later this week, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS will embark on the "Under The Southern Stars" tour of Australia with CHEAP TRICK, BUSH, ROSE TATTOO, ELECTRIC MARY and BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB.

Scorpions have released another lyric video for a song from the recently released new album, Rock Believer. Watch the clip for the bonus track, "When Tomorrow Comes", below:





Scorpions arrived at #4 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart with Rock Believer, selling 12,000 copies. It’s the highest charting effort for the group on the 30-year-old Top Album Sales chart. Over on the Billboard 200, the set begins at #59, marking the 20th charting effort for the band, and highest charting title since 2010’s Sting In The Tail debuted and peaked at #23.




Rock Believer can be ordered here.





Rock Believer tracklisting:


"Gas In The Tank"              
"Roots In My Boots"              
"Knock 'Em Dead"              
"Rock Believer"              
"Shining Of Your Soul"              
"Seventh Sun"              
"Hot And Cold"              
"When I Lay My Bones To Rest"              
"Peacemaker"
"Call Of The Wild"              
"When You Know (Where You Come From)"             


Limited deluxe edition bonus tracks:


"Shoot For Your Heart"    
"When Tomorrow Comes"    
"Unleash The Beast"    
"Crossing Borders"    
"When You Know (Where You Come From)"


Album samples:





"Shoot For Your Heart" lyric video:





"Call Of The Wild" lyric video:





"Knock 'Em Dead" lyric video:





"Roots In My Boots" lyric video:





"Gas In The Tank" lyric video:





"When You Know (Where You Come From)" video:





"Seventh Sun" lyric video:





"Shining Of Your Soul":





"Rock Believer" video:





"Peacemaker" video:





Rock Believer - The Journey videos:


Part 1:





Part 2:





Part 3:

During an appearance on a recent episode of Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson discussed the band's longevity as well as the group's multigenerational appeal. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're not planning to retire at all, really. I think we'll probably drop dead onstage. I can think of worse places to drop dead. But no, we're not planning on retiring. We're all still firing away [with] loads of energy and loads of enthusiasm, so I can't wait to get back together [with the other guys to start rehearsing for the upcoming tour].

"With respect to our fans, we've got generations of fans now," he continued. "Even at [my] spoken-word shows, I can crack jokes about the age of the audience only because half the audience is, like, my age, but the other half of the audience is often way, way younger. So it's brilliant. We've got this whole intergenerational thing going. And, obviously, at the MAIDEN shows, it's even bigger, the emphasis on that. And huge numbers of women. It's fantastic. 'Cause it always used to be cliché, back when I was starting in the early '80s, that heavy metal was just, like, misogynist, male-dominated stuff… But no, it's not true. There's loads and loads of heavy metal fans who are girls."

In July 2019, IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris also told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that there has been no talk of MAIDEN retiring anytime soon, despite the fact that all the members are in their 60s.

"We all feel that if we feel we're not cutting it anymore, then we'll discuss it and that will probably be the end of it," he explained. "But at the moment, we don't feel like that. We feel that we definitely still are pulling our weight, so to speak. We're just doing well. So far so good. I don't wanna tempt fate, but we are doing good."

Dickinson joined IRON MAIDEN in 1981, replacing Paul Di'Anno, and made his recording debut with the band on the 1982 album "The Number Of The Beast". He quit the band in 1993, pursuing several solo projects, and rejoined in 1999.

Dickinson's two-month North American spoken-word tour kicked off on January 17 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will run through the end of March.

Bruce will hit the road with IRON MAIDEN for a new North American leg of the band's "Legacy Of The Beast" tour in September.

MAIDEN's latest album, "Senjutsu", was released in September via BMG. The band's first LP in six years was recorded three years ago in Paris with longstanding producer Kevin Shirley and co-produced by Harris.

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

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

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

"Game Of Thrones" co-creator D.B. Weiss has teamed up with RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello for a scripted movie titled "Metal Lords", to be released on April 8 via Netflix.

With Weiss as writer-producer and the Morello serving as executive music producer, "Metal Lords" follows two kids who want to start a heavy metal band in a high school where exactly two kids care about heavy metal. Hunter (Adrian Greensmith) is a diehard metal fan who knows his history and can shred. His dream in life is to win at the upcoming "Battle Of The Bands". He enlists his best friend Kevin (Jaeden Martell) to man the drums. But with schoolmates more interested in Bieber than BLACK SABBATH, finding a bassist is a struggle. Until Kevin overhears Emily (Isis Hainsworth) slaying on her cello. The motley crew must contend with school, parents, hormones and teen angst while trying to get along long enough for SKULLF*CKER to win the "Battle Of The Bands".

Morello told Billboard about his involvement with the film: "I grew up in a small, cloistered, conservative suburb where my musical tastes ran against the grain of almost everybody else in school and certainly all of the teachers, so this is something I can very much relate to. It's a story of kids trying to get their first band together and having a dream, but perhaps not having the technical ability or the artistic vision to make that dream real. Or do they? For me, it harmonizes in a lot of ways with the real story of so many kids who are locked in these suburban hells and the key to get out is an electric guitar or drums or rock and roll music. The music shows a way to transcend this stifled daily existence, to try to be something better, be something more authentic and true than what's handed to you by your surroundings."

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Weiss revealed that he and co-producer Greg Shapiro have been wanting to make "Metal Lords" for over a decade. Speaking about the element of fantasy that's inherent to metal, he said: "When you're 15 years old, you feel confused and not all that powerful. You feel you can't make your life the way you want it. Fantasy is about the power. It's re-conceiving yourself as a larger-than-life heroic figure. It's probably what drew a lot of kids to the music."

MISS MAY I has released "Unconquered", its first new music in five years. The song was produced by Grammy Award winner Will Putney, who has previously worked with A DAY TO REMEMBER, BODY COUNT, EVERY TIME I DIE and THE AMITY AFFLICTION, among others,

MISS MAY I vocalist Levi Benton stated about "Unconquered": "We, as well as everyone else, went through the ringer the last couple of years. Some of us worse than others and even more of us finding ourselves in the darkest places we never thought we'd end up. After that experience and making it out, it felt as if a battle had been won. That's what 'Unconquered' is all about."

MISS MAY I and their fans grew up together, a shared bond reflected by the music itself, equally inviting to longtime devotees and newcomers alike. Relatable real-life concerns present themselves across the band's music and lyrical collaboration.

Benton, B.J. Stead, Justin Aufdemkampe, Ryan Neff and Jerod Boyd don't shy away from arresting confessionals about depression and hopelessness in their heaviest, darkest, angriest songs. But a spirit of hope and a newly broadened worldview inform the album as well, with urgent vigor.

"Unconquered", the first taste of new MISS MAY I music since 2017, is an anthem of resilience for the postmodern age. "Unconquered" is pure MISS MAY I. They remain unconcerned with commercial aspirations, fighting with authenticity and integrity to summon the most potent song of their career without sacrificing the heavy hooks that punctuated the crossover success of 2017's colossal "Shadows Inside".

Catch MISS MAY I as direct support on tour with ALL THAT REMAINS, kicking off March 12 in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The men of MISS MAY I were high school students when they picked up the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal torch set ablaze by bands like KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, LAMB OF GOD and ALL THAT REMAINS. Arguably the most prolific group in the Warped Tour era of the vibrant metalcore scene, the Ohio boys cranked out a breathtaking six albums from 2009 to 2017, some of them just a year apart. They delivered unforgettable performances on global tours, including runs with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, PIERCE THE VEIL, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, AUGUST BURNS RED and GWAR. A generation of fans who connected to the band's blend of pummeling chaos, irrefutable breakdowns, and singalong choruses cherish MISS MAY I. The band perfected its style from early outbursts through recent works like "Rise Of The Lion" (2014) and "Deathless" (2015). "Shadows Inside" (23 million streams on Spotify alone), "Hey Mister", "I.H.E.", "Forgive And Forget", "Relentless Chaos" and other MISS MAY I staples became anthems.

ABSENT IN BODY, the new band featuring AMENRA guitarist Mathieu J. Vandekerckhove, AMENRA frontman Colin H. Van Eeckhout, NEUROSIS vocalist/guitarist Scott Kelly and former SEPULTURA drummer Igor Cavalera, will release its debut album, "Plague God", on March 25 via Relapse Records. The LP's third single, "Rise From Ruins", can be streamed below.

"Rise From Ruins" made a special debut this past Sunday, March 6 as part of All Elite Wrestling's "Revolution" PPV event. "Rise From Ruins" is the official theme song of the television show's HOUSE OF BLACK group featuring AEW wrestlers Malakai Black, Brody King (God's Hate) and Buddy Matthews.

Vandekerckhove comments: "The blueprints of most ABSENT IN BODY songs were made when I was on tour with AMENRA. Because of the long journeys, I had a lot of free time on the bus. Different landscapes every day. The emptiness of the mountains, the desolate empty cities at night… One day, when recording the album, I had too much negative news and havoc on my socials shoved into my face. And the riff to this song was an instinctive reaction to that. I fought it off. This song is definitely a reflection of that moment, that day."

"Plague God" is bound by the same ideals of unity and fearlessly uncompromising honesty of expression that have driven the members' respective bands to imperious heights of reverence and groundbreaking sonic deliverance. "Plague God" is by turns devastating and sublime, drawn from musicians for whom life and art are inextricably bound.

Vandekerckhove commented: "We had not imposed any limitations or boundaries on ourselves to create this music. Everything happened without any compromise, we gathered and let inspiration run freely. It is the beauty and the strength of this album."

Cavalera stated: "It feels great to collaborate with such forward-thinking minds like Colin, Mathieu and Scott on ABSENT IN BODY. The music is dense and slowly brutal, very similar to the times we are living."

"The Acres/The Ache" music video was filmed and edited by Vandekerckhove.

"Plague God" track listing:

01. Rise From Ruins

02. In Spirit In Spite

03. Sarin

04. The Acres/The Ache

05. The Half Rising Man

In an era overrun by information, misinformation, unseen algorithms and viral contagion, to seek out what’s truly human in the face of overwhelming and unfathomable forces has perhaps become our most sacred of tasks. It’s an impulse that lies at the very heart of "Plague God".

Initially the brainchild of Vandekerckhove and Kelly, ABSENT IN BODY formed in 2017. Immediately recognizing their kinship, and with Van Eeckhout brought in on vocals and bass, what emerged is a reflection of the intervening years of turbulence, extending its scope as it navigates across five stretches of unstable terrain. From the opening "Rise From Ruins" with Cavalera's tribal beat emerging from foreboding, near-subsonic oscillations to explode in a tide of corrosive riffs and feral howls, through "Sarin"'s steadfast, procession-through-purgatory groove, to "The Half Rising Man"'s matrix of organic/mechanic evolution, it's an album in constant dialogue between the animalistic, the human and the industrial, and a hunger to distill a truth, something unpolluted from the fray.

Protest music is often perceived as a petition, or a counter-argument against a controlling force. There is another sense of protest, though, that of a machine under stress: articulating the pressures weighing down on it by means of an involuntary, primal response. It's these states of critical mass at which we must truly find ourselves, under duress maybe, but unblinded and alive. "Plague God" doesn't just give voice to these moments of truth, but in the band's deep kinship integral to every claustrophobic judder, every stretch of atmospheric dread and helpless alias assumed, lies a freedom we both forget and attain at our peril.

Photographs by William Lacalmontie / Simon Kallas / Sven Harambašić

Canadian post-hardcore band ALEXISONFIRE will release "Otherness", its first full-length album in over 13 years, on June 24 via Dine Alone Records. The LP features 10 new tracks, including the explosive first single "Sweet Dreams Of Otherness", which can be streamed below.

"Otherness" was produced by ALEXISONFIRE and mixed by punk stalwart Jonah Falco (FUCKED UP, CAREER SUICIDE).

Says vocalist George Pettit: "This song was largely Dallas's [Green, vocals/rhythm guitar] brainchild, but over the course of writing this record, it became more of a mission statement for the band. It's kind of about performance and embracing a newfound confidence in a state of peculiarity."

Pre-orders for physical variants are available Friday, March 11 at 11 a.m. ET.

Each vinyl variant is 2x12" with a gatefold jacket and printed inner sleeves. A limited-deluxe-edition variant, with an alternate lenticular cover, will also be available alongside curated "Otherness" merchandise.

The video for "Sweet Dreams Of Otherness", directed by the inimitable actor/director Jay Baruchel ("Goon", "This Is The End", "Random Acts Of Violence", "How to Train Your Dragon"), will premiere via the ALEXISONFIRE YouTube channel at 6 p.m. ET today. Fans can sign up for reminders to view the premiere alongside the band, who will join fans worldwide in conversation in the moments leading up to the premiere.

ALEXISONFIRE's "Otherness" mission statement: "A continuous thread through the fabric of ALEXISONFIRE is the state of otherness. Otherness drew us all to spaces where a band like this could be formed. We attract the type of individuals that have all felt the sensation of being strange or unique. Perceived or otherwise, otherness has followed us through childhood, adolescence, and into our adult lives. It drives our tastes and proclivities. It bonds us with ourselves and others. And make no mistake, even at our most domestic and mundane moments, we are true outliers."

ALEXISONFIRE released four hugely successful studio albums, all platinum-certified in Canada: "Alexisonfire" (2002), "Watch Out" (2004), "Crisis" (2006) and "Old Crows/Young Cardinals" (2009). "Crisis" debuted at No. 1 in Canada and "Old Crows/Young Cardinals" debuted at No. 2 and charted at No. 9 on the Billboard Independent Album chart in the U.S. The number of albums made outside of ALEXISONFIRE by different band members over the years — including CITY AND COLOUR, DEAD TIRED, YOU+ME, DOOMS CHILDREN and BILLY TALENT — could fill several record store bins.

The ALEXISONFIRE bandmembers produced "Otherness" themselves in roughly a week. They kept it a "family affair," working closely with folks who've been with them for years. Writing took place at the Dine Alone Records clubhouse. The album includes organ, keys, and pedal steel from Green's longtime collaborator Matt Kelly. Jill Zimmerman and Darren "Jeter" Magierowski (who is also Steele's cousin) engineered at Jukasa Recording Studios.

"The biggest difference is the space we are all in. We were all really thrilled to make a record, and it was such a respite from what was going on in the world. It felt like life could be beautiful," guitarist/backing vocalist Wade MacNeil says. "We were supportive of one another. Everyone was in such a good mood. It was such a treat to be able to do it again."

As Revolver noted in 2019, "It's hard to overstate the influence ALEXISONFIRE had in post-hardcore through the mid-2000s, their combination of singing and screaming setting the blueprint for many artists to come." Five guys playing aggressive rock (with no less than three of them singing and screaming) grew to a hockey-arena headlining phenomenon while pushing and pulling between spirited guitar leads, melodic might, and emotional weight.

"As much as we love playing the old songs, we don't want to be a nostalgia act. The only reason to come back is if we feel we still have something to say," Pettit insists. "We spent so much time on the road thinking that if we stopped, people would lose interest. But when we went away, it only got bigger. We all carved new paths for ourselves, so coming back to ALEXISONFIRE is a purely enjoyable creative venture. Something special happens when we get in a room together."

"Otherness" track listing:

01. Committed To The Con

02. Sweet Dreams Of Otherness

03. Sans Soleil

04. Conditional Love

05. Blue Spade

06. Dark Night Of The Soul

07. Mistaken Information

08. Survivor's Guilt

09. Reverse The Curse

10. World Stops Turning

Wyld Ryde have released their Gasoline Alley EP. Purchase/stream the EP here.


Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Wyld Ryde brings hard rock and heavy metal into the new era with great hooks, arrangements and a heavy, razor sharp modern edge that is sure to please fans all over the world. Growing up, the band faced adversity from a very, very early age. Their neighborhoods are extremely crime ridden from violence to drugs. Just making it out was a blessing as lots of their friends and family died from gun violence and drugs.







Tracklisting:


"Gasoline Alley"
"Hold On Me"
"Alone"
"Six Gun Shooter"
"Come & Go"
"Don’t Say No"


"Gasoline Alley" video:





"Hold On Me" lyric video:





Tour dates:


March
26 - AJ’s Place - Glasgow, KY


April
30 - The Open Chord - Knoxville, TN


May
13 - Manchester Music Hall - Lexington, KY
14 - The Dils Center - Parkersburg, WV


June
2 - Bike Nyght (The kickoff of) Hillview City Fair - Hillview, KY
25 - Rockin With The Vets - Clarksville, IN


July
2 - Melody Inn - Indianapolis, IN
18 - Highland Taproom - Louisville, KY


August
13 - EL Loco Fest 16 - Elyria, OH


September
10 - Cancer Fest - Hillview, KY


Wyld Ryde is:


Chief - Lead Vocals/Lead Guitar
Tommy Blitz - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Mick Watkins - Bass/Vocals
Kidd Vicious - Drums

Enigmatic dark metal outfit, Deathwhite, will release their third studio album, Grey Everlasting, on June 10 via Season Of Mist. The band is now sharing the devastating first single, "Earthtomb", along with a music video. The heart-wrenching clip, which was created by Guilherme Henriques, can be found below.


Says the band: “It is our abundant pleasure to share the video for ‘Earthtomb’, the first single from Grey Everlasting. The immaculate Guilherme Henriques shot the clip in Aceredo, Spain and Porto, Portugal. Unfortunately, the song and video are a rather timely and direct reflection of the times we live when unchecked power, deception, gas-lighting and flat-out lies are used as tools to wreak havoc upon humanity and sow discord.
‘Earthtomb’ was written as our observation - and inherent wish - that these individuals succumb to their misdeeds. What is happening in Ukraine at the moment has, for the members of Deathwhite, made this song more prescient than ever. Our hearts go out to those impacted by this utter tragedy.”


Written just as the global lockdown began in March 2020, Grey Everlasting is an album of diversity and depth. While the band’s clean vocal delivery set to the backdrop of unyielding dark metal remains ever-present, some new wrinkles are added to Deathwhite’s sound. Extreme metal elements - a reference to the band’s musical background - as well as heavy keyboard orchestration have been brought to the fore. The album also treads more atmospheric paths while staying true to Deathwhite’s melodic underpinnings.




Pre-order the new album here, pre-save here.





Grey Everlasting tracklisting:


"Nihil"
"Earthtomb"
"No Thought Or Memory"
"Quietly, Suddenly"
"Grey Everlasting"
"White Sleep"
"Immemorial"
"Formless"
"So We Forget"
"Blood And Ruin"
"Asunder"


"Earthtomb" video:





(Photo - Shane Mayer)

Metal Blade Records welcomes Mantar to its worldwide roster.


Founded in 2012 by Hanno and Erinc, Mantar have become one of the leading forces in extreme metal within the last 10 years. Loved by fans and press alike, the band conquered the world by storm with their truly unique sound, leading them up to the Top 10 in the Official German album charts with their last studio album, The Modern Art of Setting Ablaze (2018, Nuclear Blast), and sold out shows all over Europe.


After the self-released cover EP Grungetown Hooligans II (2020), the band is currently finishing up the work on their fourth studio album, slated for a summer 2022 release. Keep your eyes peeled for more news to follow soon.




The band comments: "As a band with a strong DIY background it was very important to us to work with a true independent label that not only respects but encourages our artistic freedom and visions as a band. Physical products still mean everything to us and Metal Blade is still one of the top players in that game. With a dedicated team of true music fans and enthusiasts in Europe and in the US we are happy to have found a new home for our band and motivated worldwide partners for new Mantar tunes."


Mantar lineup:


Hanno Klänhardt - Guitars & Vocals
Erinc Sakarya - Drums


(Photo - Matthis Van der Meulen)

March 11 will see Danish brutal death doom metal act, Konvent, strike back with their brand new album, Call Down The Sun, via Napalm Records.


Today, following the previously released singles “Grains” and “Pipe Dreams”, the Copenhagen four-piece release a lyric video for third single, "Harena".


Says the band: "With the help of Felix Havstad and his beautiful string instruments, we were able to create a track that stands out from what we normally do and we hope you love it as much as us! 'Harena' is an inner dialogue about self-doubt, even though you know you’re meant for something bigger. During this dialogue, you convince yourself it’s better to stay at status quo, because the feeling of unsatisfaction has become a well known safe space, though the outcome could be so much greater if you took a chance. A big thanks goes out to Alexander Kolby for the stunning visuals that fits the aesthetics of this song perfectly!"







Recorded and mixed by Lasse Ballade at Ballade Studios, Copenhagen and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege Studio, the new album’s thunderous apocalyptic sound is impossible to escape. Call Down The Sun a refreshing, vibrant record that is not only poised to top 2022 Album Of The Year lists, but reign as one of the best death and blackened doom metal records of modern times.


Call Down The Sun will be available in the following formats:


- 1-CD Digisleeve
- 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Black
- 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Marbled Red/Black/White (Napalm Records exclusive, ltd to 500)
- MC (Napalm Records exclusive, ltd to 100)
- Bundle - 1-CD Inside Out Digisleeve + Shirt  
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"Into The Distance"
"Sand Is King"
"In The Soot"
"Grains"
"Fatamorgana"
"Interlude"
"Never Rest"
"Pipe Dreams"
"Harena"


"Pipe Dreams" video:





"Grains" video:





Lineup:


Rikke Emilie List – Vocals
Sara Helena Nørregaard – Guitar
Heidi Withington Brink – Bass  
Julie Simonsen – Drums


(Photo - Sebastian Apel)

Devin Townsend finally returns to UK shores in April, including two shows at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall under the banner of "The Greatest Sets Of My Life" on April 16 and 17. Watch a video trailer below.





For these special evenings, Devin and his band will be performing fan favourites, his favourites, and hardly played songs.




Devin: "After two and a half years of abject chaos, I welcome you back into the live music world of wonder. We’ve put these two shows together to play all the songs that people seem to like, as well as songs that I want to play as well. I know it’s been crazy, lets get back into this."


Joining as support for these shows will be Denmark’s VOLA on April 16, and Norway’s Leprous on the April 17.


Tickets are available here.





Townsend recently shared some new music dubbed "Dreampiece". Check it out below.


Devin: "This is essentially Guitar Improvisation #4 I've been sort of jamming this out since Christmas. A bit more minimal than the last one, but I like this style. It's made to be in the background and to chill you out. Enjoy, and peace to you all.


It's on Bandcamp too at this location if you're interested. Thanks Trav Smith for the cover."

On the eve of his 15th studio album, countless Billboard hits, and an illustrious career that spans more than four decades, Canadian rock superstar Bryan Adams has solidified his rank as one of the world’s most successful musicians of all time – and newest Inductee to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF).


The CSHF is also pleased to announce that Jim Vallance will be inducted as a songwriter, best known for churning out hits with Adams, he has an equally enviable catalogue of classics written for the likes of Anne Murray, Rick Springfield, Joan Jett, Glass Tiger, and Heart’s "What About Love" that was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.


“I’m delighted to see Jim Vallance get the acknowledgement he deserves, he’s a masterful songwriter and an incredible musician,” says Bryan Adams.




“It’s a thrill to see my name added to the list of songwriters I idolised when I was starting out 50 years ago, and who I still idolise today - Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Robbie Robertson, among others - and I’m especially pleased to be inducted along with my friend and songwriting partner Bryan Adams,” says Jim Vallance.


Having pivoted to virtual induction presentations over the past two years, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame is excited to announce the return of its in-person gala with presenting partner The El Mocambo, that will take place at Toronto’s Massey Hall on Saturday, September 24, 2022. The bilingual live show will honour Adams, Vallance, and the rest of the class of 2022 Inductees with tributes and performances from fellow Canadian and international stars and recording artists.   


“The collaboration between Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance is one of the most prolific music partnerships in Canadian rock history, and we’re so pleased to honour them distinctively for their incredible talent and craft as songwriters,” says Stan Meissner, Board Chairman, CSHF.  “Today’s announcement kicks off what will be an incredible year for the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame as we get ready to celebrate the return of our live gala.  Music has helped many of us through the past few challenging years, and we can’t wait gather once again as a community to share in the joy and universal connection of storytelling through songs.”


It was a chance meeting with Jim Vallance at a music store in Vancouver that would launch his solo career – and a lifelong friendship and collaboration.


“It was an incredible ascension from having to borrow bus fare, to having hit records. It was also the first time I’d ever eaten boiled cauliflower,” says Adams.


Vallance also recalls, "Right from the first day I was impressed with Bryan. It was obvious he had enormous talent coupled with extraordinary drive.”


1983’s Cuts Like A Knife roared onto the scene with singles including "Straight From The Heart" and "This Time", garnering JUNO Awards for Best Male Vocalist for Adams, and Composer of the Year for Adams and Vallance.


The follow-up Reckless album reached #1 on the Billboard and Canadian album charts, yielding another string of Adams-Vallance hits including the duo’s first Billboard Hot 100 #1 single, "Heaven"; the SOCAN Classic and #1 Mainstream Rock track, "Run To You"; and all-time favourite, the nostalgic "Summer Of ’69".  
 
Adams’ songwriting includes 1991’s "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" (written with Robert “Mutt” Lange and Michael Kamen), which won a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Motion Picture. The song is among countless #1 hits by Adams including "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman", "All for Love", "Please Forgive Me", "Don’t Give Up", "Can’t Stop This Thing We Started"", Thought I’d Died and Gone to Heaven"", and Let’s Make a Night to Remember".  Many of his songs have been in feature films, garnering him three Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe nominations throughout his career.


While continuing to collaborate with Adams, Vallance became a coveted producer and songwriter for some of music’s biggest icons including Ozzy Osborne, Aerosmith, and The Go-Go’s, making him one of the best in the industry for his ability to pen hit songs across the entire music spectrum from country to hard rock.


In 2018, Adams and Vallance reunited to collaborate on the music and lyrics for Pretty Woman - The Musical, that made its record-breaking Broadway run and is now touring around the globe. Meanwhile, Adams is getting ready to release his 15th studio album So Happy It Hurts on March 11 and will be embarking on a world tour in 2022.


Just ahead of that release, Adams has also just released his own versions of the songs from Pretty Woman - The Musical.


Adams and Vallance will be honoured during the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala planned for September 24 at Toronto’s iconic and newly renovated Massey Hall.  Additional Inductees and details for the gala will be announced in the coming months.  

Toronto-based heavy metal unit, Skull Fist, will release their new album, Paid In Full, on April 22 via Atomic Fire Records. A second video trailer for the album has been released. Watch two trailer below:










You can pre-order first pressings of the new album through the band here on blue vinyl (limited to 200), black vinyl (limited to 800) and CD (limited to 1000). You can also order vinyl/box set/CD from the Atomic Fire website here.


The album was recorded at Vespa Studios, and mixed by Chris Snow and Eric Rats. Harry Hess mastered the album. Album art by Sharon .Ehman.


Says the band in regards to "Long Live The Fist": "It's weird as balls releasing one track for a new album, you'll hear this and assume what the rest of the album sounds like, haha, this one does that sort of formula we've done on previous records, some speed metal, some heavy metal, some hard rock and some caveman riffs. I think you guys will find the record to be just slightly heavier than previous ones. But we're obviously biased, haha. Stoked on seeing how you nutters feel about it all!"


Since their leggy beginnings in 2006, dungeon keeper Zach Schottler and his ruthlessly shredding gang of reckless accomplices have released three archetypal heavy metal almanacs, eaten more dust than is good for their health, endured hardships (henceforth called shitty business partners) and propped up countless beers in countless bars in countless cities. Now, after 15 years on behalf of steel, Zach Schottler is really turning up the heat with the uniquely titled Paid In Full, a heavy metal wonder of the defiant middle-finger variety. With head held high, pockets empty and just enough gas in the tank to make it to the next show, Skull Fist have just officially won 2022. Paid In Full is heavy metal in all its glory and splendour: skillfully - unleashed - wide-legged. Written at home and recorded at Vespa Studios near Toronto, Paid In Full encompasses his sonic efforts of the past two years: tales of steel and legends from the underworld.





Tracklisting:


"Paid In Full"
"Long Live The Fist"
"Crush Kill Destroy"
"Blackout"
"Madman"
"For The Last Time"
"Heavier than Metal"
"Warrior Of The North"


"Long Live The Fist" video:





Skull Fist lineup:


Zach Slaughter - vocals, guitar
Casey Guest - bass
JJ Tartaglia - drums


(Photo - Sharon Ehman)

Below is a new remastered / enhanced Rush concert clip courtesy of StickHits, originally shot on April 23rd, 1992 at Sporthalle in Köln, Germany. 


StickHits: "Another lucky discovery, an amazing quality Roll The Bones bootleg video, and an amazing quality audience audio recording (first half of the show at least). I had to combine them together and do the usual restoration & enhancement tricks, this an amazing rendition of a rare song."







StickHits previously shared a remastered and enhanced Neil Peart drum solo, originally pro-shot on the Rush Presto Tour 1990 in Mountain View, CA.


StickHits: "This video is notoriously poor quality both audio and video wise, but I found I was able to get it to the point where I would find it pretty enjoyable for historical purposes. The original audio is bone-dry, flat, and very muted with absolutely no ambience that makes it a very strange experience to watch, so with FL Studio I made quite a few tweaks to make it sound more like other Neil solos from the era."

Ghost took the stage at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA on March 3rd to wrap up their 2022 US tour along with special guests Volbeat and Twin Temple. Live Rock Music by Scott Perry has shared 4K /HD sound footage of Ghost's entire show. Check it out below.


The setlist on the night was as follows:


"Kaisarion"
"Rats"
"From The Pinnacle To The Pit"
"Mary on a Cross"
"Devil Church"
"Circe"
"Hunter's Moon"
"Faith"
"Helvetesfönster"
"Year Zero"
"Ritual"
"Mummy Dust"
"Enter Sandman"
"Dance Macabre"
"Square Hammer"







Ghost will release their new album, Impera, on March 11 via Loma Vista / Concord. An update from the band states: "We wish to inform you Ghost will be hosting a very special Imperia Live From The Ministry album release ritual on Thursday, March 10 at 2 PM, EST on their Youtube channel."


Tune in here, and watch the video below:





Pre-order/save Impera here.





Tracklist:


"Imperium"
"Kaisarion"
"Spillways"
"Call Me Little Sunshine"
"Hunter's Moon"
"Watcher In The Sky"
"Dominion"
"Twenties"
"Darkness At The Heart Of My Love"
"Griftwood"
"Bite Of Passage"
"Respite On The Spital Fields"


"Twenties" lyric video:





"Call Me Little Sunshine" video:





(Photo - Joel Barrios)

LACUNA COIL frontwoman Cristina Scabbia spoke to Spain's The Metal Circus about her recent battle with COVID-19. She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I got it in December. I spent Christmas and New Year's Eve alone at home. Yay! [Laughs] Actually, it was not that bad, because I am a very independent person, so even when I'm alone, I'm fine. And I am not a huge lover of Christmas and New Year's Eve anyway. Of course, I missed my family, but at the same time, I was, like, 'I have everything I need. I have a TV, I have a computer, I have a microphone, I have all the outlets that can keep me busy,' so I cannot complain."

Asked if she got very sick after she was diagnosed with the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, Cristina said: "The first week was not fun. Two days were pretty bad because I had a high fever for not even a day — a fever that went down with medicines. But it hits every person differently, and the way it hit me was not on the throat. For example, a lot of people suffered throat and coughing. For me, it was just like normal coughing. The throat was okay. I had a sense of small and taste; they never went away. But for a week I suffered. Like, my nerves were hurting — from the back into the legs. I couldn't find a comfortable position in bed, so I couldn't sleep because I would keep waking up because I had, like, nerve pain. Like sort of a sciatica, but double — not only on one side; on the other side as well. It was pretty bad. Then the second week I had sort of a congestion, so I was talking very nasally. But overall, I was okay."

Scabbia, who confirmed she was fully vaccinated when she contracted COVID-19, went on to blast people who refuse to get the shot because they can still get the disease and pass it along, even if vaccinated.

"Well, that's a hard topic because I get really, really angry, in a way, when I talk about this," she said. "Because I trust science. A lot of my friends are scientists, biologists, virologists, so I talk to them constantly. And to see people that have no idea about medicine, including me, because I never studied science or any type of matters related to science, thinking that they know everything about how a vaccine works, what's in there, long-term risks, trials, it's very depressing. Because now on Internet, everybody's an expert after watching a couple of videos on YouTube or a web site created the day before from a person that you don't know. Yet again some people [are] more willing to believe a person that they have no idea about instead of a whole community, a worldwide community, of doctors. And this is really depressing to me because we're in 2022 [and] we should be open about that and, most of all, we shouldn't make something that helps our health politic. A lot of people are confusing politics and the vaccine. I mean, we're still in between a pandemic — we're right through a pandemic; we're getting out, but we're still in it — so we should trust who can help us to get out of this pandemic. So no YouTubers, no streamers, no unknown people on Internet; we should trust doctors because they're studying the matter. They know what a virus is and they know how to fight it. They got together with other doctors around the world to solve the problem. Instead, all the other things are coming out. 'Oh, it's just for money.' 'Oh, it's a political thing.' 'Oh, they want to control us.' And I'm, like, how do they control you? You have this [lifts her smartphone]. You're writing on Facebook. They know your cellphone. They know where you live. They know what you eat. They know when you go to the bathroom. Yet again, you think that they're gonna be controlling you putting 5G with the vaccine. And I'm, like, 'Really? Really?'

"So the only thing that I can say is that it was very clear from the very beginning that the intent of the vaccine was to keep the bad symptoms down," Scabbia continued. "It wasn't intended to, 'You're never gonna get COVID.' Because they're still studying it.

"There is always an answer, a clear answer for very [anti]-vaxxer that I talk to. Yet again, they don't accept it. They like better to trust strangers or a fake study on a picture that everybody can manipulate. But no, [they think] it's easier to manipulate a whole community of doctors around the world [who] don't know each other."

Last month, LACUNA COIL entered the studio to begin recording "a very special project."

Back in June, Scabbia told Revolver that she and her bandmates didn't use the coronavirus downtime to work on new music. "We didn't want to force the fact that because we were home, we had to write music," she explained. "We always thought that to write music, you need to be inspired. And inspiration comes from the outside, comes from experiences that you have, things that you live. At least this is valid for us.

"Everything we do in a regular life, in a normal life enriches us and gives us input that we can put in our music," she said. "And also we like to write together. So, if Marco [Coti Zelati, bass] creates the basis of the music together with the other musicians in the band, then Andrea [Ferro, vocals] and I jump in with the lyrics and vocal lines. But we do that together. We need to enter in songwriting mode. So we didn't really like the fact that we had to write separately just because we have to put a record [together] because it's quarantine. Now we are starting to collect ideas 'cause we feel a little bit happier."

Scabbia continued: "We didn't want anything connected to the negativity of the pandemic… That's why I used my time to do something completely different. Because I know that what I did that it's completely different from what I usually do will make me start again to do what I did before with passion — with the same passion. I was just afraid that if I would have used all the downtime making music when I didn't really want to, it would have had a negative influence on me. And it would have been, like, 'I really don't want to do that.' And I also wanted to prove to myself that, yeah, music is main passion. I love what I do for a living, and I hope that I can do it until the day I die. But I also wanted to show myself that I can be capable of doing something else as well."

Last summer, LACUNA COIL released a new live album, "Live From The Apocalypse", via Century Media. The effort was recorded at the band's special September 2020 livestream event where LACUNA COIL performed its latest album, "Black Anima", in its entirety.

On March 3rd, Tool brought their current tour to the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Midway through their set, the band performed "Undertow" from their debut album for the first time in 20 years. Check out audio and video from the performance below.


Tool did not perform the song at the following show on March 6th in Columbus, Ohio.










Tool's tour schedule is now as follows:


March
10 - Chicago, IL - United Center
12 - Omaha, NE - CHI Health Center Arena
13 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
15 - Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center
17 - Moline, IL - TaxSlayer Center
18 - St. Louis, MO - Enterprise Center
20 - Cleveland, OH - Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse


April
23 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Royal Arena
25 - Oslo, Norway - Spektrum
26 - Stockholm, Sweden - Avicii Arena
28 - Hamburg, Germany - Barclaycard Arena
29 - Frankfurt, Germany - Festhalle


May
2 - Manchester, UK - AO Arena Manchester
4 - Birmingham, UK - Resorts World Arena
6 - Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena
9 - London, UK - The O2 Arena
12 - Paris, France - AccorHotels Arena
13 - Antwerp, Belgium - Sportpaleis
15 - Berlin, Germany - Mercedes-Benz Arena
17 -  Cologne, Germany - Lanxess Arena
19 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome
21 - Krakow, Poland - Tauron Arena
23 - Prague, Czech Republic - O2 Arena
24 - Budapest, Hungary - SportAréna

Former LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler has publicly referred to the band's guitarist Mark Morton as a "fucking douche."

Adler's comment was apparently prompted by Morton's revelation that the guitarist was blocked on Twitter by Lee J. Carter, the American politician who represented the 50th district in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2018 to 2022. Earlier today, Mark shared a screenshot of a Twitter notification that he was blocked, and included the message, "But whyyyyyyyy?!?!?", to which Chris responded, "Maybe because you are a fucking douche." Within minutes, Morton fired back with "I usually wait until after dark to drunk message my exes".

The online exchange comes less than three years after LAMB OF GOD officially parted ways with Chris. He has since been replaced by Art Cruz, who has previously played with PRONG and WINDS OF PLAGUE, and filled in for Adler on several LAMB OF GOD tours in 2018 and 2019.

In June 2020, Adler addressed his departure from LAMB OF GOD, saying that "everybody parted on good terms. I left my drum throne in good hands with Art, who has been a friend. I think I met Art when he was 17 years old — I've got a picture of me and him standing outside the bus when he stood there waiting for an autograph. So he and I have been friends for a long time. And, obviously, the guys in the band are not only family," referring to the fact that his brother Willie plays guitar for LAMB OF GOD, "but became great friends over 25 years. And it was quite a career that we had. It didn't end — I don't think anybody from either side would say it ended really particularly well in that I think we all hoped and dreamed and wanted all the same thing but just couldn't seem to get ourselves on the same page, for whatever reason.

"As much as I loved doing what I was doing, it certainly seems like it was kind of a good time to maybe step away," he added. "And I think everybody wins in that regard. And I wish the best for them, and I'm sure they do… You have to speak to them — I'm not sure — but I hope they do for me.

"I didn't leave because I didn't want to be involved with music or play the drums. [And] I didn't leave the band because I was wanting to do something too heavy or too light or anything like that. It was just kind of a mutual crossroads… The shoe didn't fit anymore on either side.

"I'm happy to have had been a part of it. I think if I was [still] in that band, I would be pushing even further than what we've ever done before."

Less than two years ago, Morton spoke to American Songwriter about what it has been like writing and playing with Cruz after recording with Chris for over a decade. He said: "There are differences for sure. Chris was a phenomenal talent, and he's a great drummer, and we made a lot of amazing music together. But Art is also a phenomenal talent and a great drummer. He's more feel-oriented. He's a little less robotic, and I don't mean that as a dig. I don't want to compare them too much. They're just two different drummers. But Art is a real feel, finesse player. I think the prime example I can give is live with Chris we used to play everything to a click. There was a click in our ear and that was a machine that kept timing consistent and the same every night. Within a week of playing with Art live, we were off the click. We were just playing the songs together instead of playing them at the same time. And I think that really made its way into our creative process as well."

After various web sites, including BLABBERMOUTH.NET, picked up Mark's comments, he took to his Twitter to set the record straight about his relationship with his former bandmate. He wrote: "Chris Adler is an incredibly talented person & an incredibly talented drummer. We have made a ton of music together & I'm immensely proud of our collective work. I have said that repeatedly in recent interviews because I mean it. Sites want clicks so they SPIN it another way."

He added in a separate tweet: "Chris and I remain in contact and he knows damn well that I love and respect him."

Cruz made his live debut with LAMB OF GOD in July 2018 in Gilford, New Hampshire.




Maybe because you are a fucking douche.

— Chris Adler (@ChrisAdlerMusic) March 9, 2022








I usually wait until after dark to drunk message my exes https://t.co/o5zyAOyOUI

— Mark Morton ?? (@MarkDuaneMorton) March 9, 2022

Selfmadegod Records confirms the April release of Deadly Intrusions, the debut full-length release from Quebec-based black/thrash metal duo Skumstrike, unloading the album’s details and volatile lead single, “Blood Red Vision.”


Formed in the icy depths of Montreal in the Winter of 2017, Skumstrike seeks an unholy union between the raging punk of that city and the glowing-red aggression of ancient thrash and first-wave black metal. With LA (Profane Order) on strings and ZS (Serpent Corpse, Xanadoo) on vocals/ceaseless battery, the band issued their Demo 2017 in their first year, followed by 2018’s nascent Pure Coercion EP, which first showcased the cadre's hideous melding of pounding hardcore with the primal madness of early Voivod and ‘80s Germanic steel. Spilling early blood on the stage with acts like Outre Tombe, Occult Burial, Devil Master, Profane Order, Saccage, Enforced, High Command, and Napalm Raid, the group took a leap forward in 2020 with their Caligari Records debut, the Execution Void EP, while ramping up live shows around Eastern Canada.


The EP paved the way for an East Coast tour of the US, with dates alongside fellow Quebec filth-merchants Sedimentum, only to be denied by the arrival of the pandemic and the slamming shut of the northern frontier. Regrouping the following summer, LA and ZS poured all their spite and love for blackened speed punk into Skumstrike's most acidic material yet. Having previously shared the stage with Canadian black metal horde Spectral Wound, the group chose to record their debut full-length, Deadly Intrusions, with Spectral Wound guitarist Pat McDowell in August 2021. What issued forth is a venomous tale of mental degradation.




Deadly Intrusions combines rapid-fire thrash with the heft of early Celtic Frost and moon-worshiping abandon of Darkthrone. A crackling vein of high-voltage hardcore punk runs through the record, perfectly portrayed with a reckless cover of Poison Idea's “Nothing is Final,” while the wild spirit of Japanese acts ranging from Sabbat to GISM animate the unhinged vocals.


Recorded and Mixed July-August 2021 in Montreal by Pat McDowall and mastered by Enormous Door, Deadly Intrusions is completed with cover artwork by renowned Indonesian artist Ibay Arifin.


With “Blood Red Vision,” the lead single from the new album, the band offers “A crude blast of primeval thrash metal meets Neanderthal hardcore, 'Blood Red Vision' is track number two from Skumstrike's debut album, Deadly Intrusions. This cut kicks off with a simple riff that quickly morphs into a wild ride of pounding drums, sinister laughter, and rapid-fire aggression.”


Deadly Intrusions will see release on CD and digital formats through Polish extreme merchants Selfmadegod on April 8, with the band’s US allies Caligari Records handling the cassette version. Watch for additional audio previews, preorders, and more to post over the coming days.


Fully armed with this new arsenal, with JK of Spectral Wound and Profane Order handling bass assaults, Skumstrike plans a vengeful return to the live stage in 2022.





Tracklisting:


“Caustic Poison”
“Blood Red Vision”
“(Ensnared In) Endless Night”
“Panic Obsession”
“Another Shot Of Fear”
“Ritual Murder”
“Mental Wound Submission”
“Lobotomize”
“The Infestor”
“Deadly Intrusions”
“Nothing Is Final” (Poison Idea cover)


“Blood Red Vision”:

Platinum-selling Canadian industrial alternative rock band, Econoline Crush, have announced that the band's longtime guitarist, David "Ziggy" Sigmund (1997 - 2002, 2010 - 2022) has passed away. He was also know for his work with Slow, Godfathers Of Love, and the Scramblers.


Econoline Crush vocalist, Trevor Hurst, shared the sad news via social media, writing: "David “Ziggy” Sigmund, my friend, partner, my brother in arms has crossed over. His sudden passing has taken all of us by surprise. He was a brilliant musician, creative genius, entertaining conversationalist and the best hang. My life is forever changed. I want to thank everyone for the kind messages of support during this difficult time."

Rock supergroup MOTOR SISTER — featuring Jim Wilson (MOTHER SUPERIOR), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Pearl Aday (Scott's wife and daughter of late actor/musician Meat Loaf), Joey Vera (ARMORED SAINT, FATES WARNING) and John Tempesta (THE CULT) — will release its new album, "Get Off", on May 6 via Metal Blade Records. The official music video for the LP's first single, "Can't Get High Enough", can be seen below.

Wilson says: "We wanted to make a high-energy, kick-ass rock and roll record from top to bottom. All killer, no filler."

Adds Vera: "Our first record 'Ride' was a collection of songs we re-recorded from the band MOTHER SUPERIOR which was great, but I'm stoked that we had this chance to actually get into a room together and write this batch of all new material. We keep in mind where this band originated from but we get to take it to totally different levels."

About the new single, Ian says: "'Can't Get High Enough' is a straight-up ripper from start to finish."

"Get Off" will be available digitally as well as physically on digipak CD, 180-gram black vinyl, crimson red with blue smoke vinyl (U.S. exclusive) and pale blue gray marbled vinyl (EU exclusive — limited to 200 copies).

"Get Off" track listing:

01. Can't Get High Enough

02. Coming For You

03. Right There, Just Like That

04. Sooner Or Later

05. Excuse Me, Your Life Is Exposed

06. Lion's Den

07. 1,000,000 Miles

08. Pain

09. Bulletproof

10. Bruise It Or Lose It

11. Time's Up

12. Rolling Boy Blues

MOTOR SISTER was originally formed as a MOTHER SUPERIOR covers band made up of diehard fans — and aided by sharing the same frontman — playing the songs for the love of doing so. Catching the attention of Metal Blade, the label offered to put out a record and the result was "Ride" (2015), a collection of live-in-the-studio takes cherry-picked from MOTHER SUPERIOR's back catalog.

Now, they step beyond those parameters, returning with their second album, which is almost entirely brand new material. "The record of covers was already done, so there was no need to do it again," says Aday. "We're a bunch of songwriters with so much passion for the same kind of music, it just makes sense that we would make new music together, and it was easy as usual to follow Jim's lead on this one. He was overflowing with songs and ideas so we all happily jumped right in." Adds Wilson, "We definitely wanted to continue with the spirit of my old band and it's not difficult really because everything MOTHER SUPERIOR did was done with heart and soul and I think soul is an important word. Not necessarily 'soul music' but the feeling that comes with it."

The result is aptly described by Vera as "no-bullshit hard rock and roll", the record containing eleven originals and rounded out with a cover of MOTHER SUPERIOR's "Rolling Boy Blues", which has been a live staple. Kicking off with the compulsive, high-octane "Can't Get High Enough", they immediately put the pedal to the metal, likewise on the pure rock 'n' soul of "Bulletproof" and the swaggering "Excuse Me, Your Life Is Exposed". They slow things down a little on the singalong glory of "Sooner Or Later" and the more plaintive "Pain".

As with "Ride", the band entrusted Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER) with production, and this time headed into Dave Grohl's Studio 606.

"It's a great sounding room and we got to track on the Sound City Neve, which is perfect for our sound," says Ian. "And some really cool people — who took great care of us — own it." Also in common with its predecessor, "Get Off" was recorded live in the studio, with all five members in the same room, vocals and leads redone after the basic tracks were laid down, but tracking was interrupted mid-process by COVID-19. This put things on hold, resuming a year later as the band added the finishing touches to the record, but this interruption definitely did not harm the feelings of exuberance and spontaneity that bleed from the speakers. Now, the band is looking forward and excited to play these originals live alongside the covers they are known for.

Photo: Travis Shinn

On the heels of the MC5's nomination to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, legendary Detroit proto-punk/activist/hard-rock innovator Wayne Kramer has released two new songs and announced "The Heavy Lifting" tour in May — all as a reanimation of his pioneering group dubbed WE ARE ALL MC5. The tour begins with a special hometown show, celebrating the birthday of Detroit's El Club. The show serves as a return of sorts to his formative years; Kramer's memories of that neighborhood were chronicled all too well in his acclaimed 2018 memoir "The Hard Stuff". After Detroit, the tour will hit major markets on the East Coast (Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Brooklyn) and West Coast (Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego). Joining the pioneering guitarist in the touring band will be singer Brad Brooks, drummer Stephen Perkins (JANE'S ADDICTION), bassist Vicki Randle (Mavis Staples), and guitarist Stevie Salas (David Bowie). Tickets go on sale on Friday, March 11.

Kramer states: "Nonstop touring, especially the last decade, I've come to understand that the music of the MC5 is as necessary as ever. It's definitely high time to write and record new songs and to carry a message of uncompromising hard rock to fans around the world."

Ahead of the tour, the band will release two singles — Kramer's first new music as MC5 since 1972 — previewing a full album on earMUSIC scheduled for October 2022. Both songs were produced by the iconic Bob Ezrin (PINK FLOYD, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, KISS) and engineered by four-time Grammy winner Dave Way (Paul McCartney, Fiona Apple, Neil Young) at his studio The Waystation. earMUSIC is home to DEEP PURPLE, DEF LEPPARD, HELMET, Joe Satriani, FOREIGNER, Joe Henry, Marianne Faithfull, and others. Last year, Alice Cooper's earMUSIC album "Detroit Stories", for which Kramer co-wrote songs and performed, topped Billboard's Top Album Sales chart.

The fiery guitar-dueling anthem "Heavy Lifting" is the A-side featuring Tom Morello, Don Was, Abe Laboriel Jr., with lead vocals by Brooks, and was co-written by Kramer, Morello, and Brooks. The B-side, "Edge Of The Switchblade", reimagines Kramer's tribute to the MC5's formative years, first heard on his acclaimed 1995 Epitaph solo album "The Hard Stuff", in a new recording with Laboriel, Was, and special guest William Duvall from ALICE IN CHAINS sharing lead vocal duties with Kramer. Together, the songs serve as bookends to illustrate where Kramer comes from ("Edge Of The Switchblade") and where his creative vision for the MC5 is today ("Heavy Lifting"). A preview of "Heavy Lifting" is now available below,

Says Kramer: "We've just barely survived four catastrophic years of a failed presidency and a devastating pandemic. Brad and I started writing new music with the express purpose of pushing back against the cruelty of it all. It had become so polarized and depressing that bringing in other writers was like a hope injection. Tom Morello, Jill Sobule, Tim McIlrath, Kesha, and Alejandro Escovedo helped me expand the work using the most powerful weapon in existence: our creativity. Of course, Dennis 'Machine Gun' Thompson is playing strong now and driving the beat on two songs, so I'm thrilled about that, too. Bob Ezrin produces because he is not only the titan of rock but also the most natural choice to deliver this music to fans in search of songs that capture an ultra-amplified soul. The results are earth-shaking rock and roll."

Adds Ezrin: "Aside from being a dear friend and a personal hero of mine, Wayne Kramer is a rock and roll treasure because he is keeping the spirit of the MC5 and Detroit's unique and hugely important blend of punk and funk alive and well in all that he does, I'm excited and honored to be working on this project with him and the supremely talented group of lunatics we have assembled for it. We are all MC5!"

The MC5's sonic thunder continues to reverberate a half-century after they first stormed the rock world with 1969's "Kick Out The Jams", the galvanizing live document that introduced a major voice of late '60s counterculture and proved incomparably influential on metal, punk, stoner rock and almost every other form of loud, boundary pushing music that would follow. The original MC5 lineup recorded two more albums before imploding: 1970's "Back In The USA", produced by rock critic (and future Bruce Springsteen manager) Jon Landau, and their 1971 creative zenith, "High Time". The last days of 1972 also marked the final performance of the original MC5 lineup, thereby ending a turbulent existence marked by their anti-establishment political stance, mainstream radio banishment, FBI harassment, and lots of uncompromising, unequaled rock-and-roll fury.

Iggy Pop has said the MC5 belong in the Rock Hall "for their contributions to American music and its politics… They were hugely charismatic and influential. Their beliefs and approach had to do with things much larger than music and these things are coming to light more and more today on the world revolutionary stage. There is no band that I know of as dangerous as the MC5."

"The Heavy Lifting" 2022 tour dates

May 05 - Detroit, MI @ El Club

May 06 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird

May 07 - Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts

May 08 - Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw

May 12 - Sacramento, CA @ Harlow's

May 13 - San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo's 365 Club

May 14 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy Theatre

May 15 - San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar

Photo credit: Jim Newberry