CRO-MAGS frontman Harley Flanagan has defended his decision to get the COVID-19 vaccine, saying it's about being "responsible" and doing whatever he has to do "to exist in the world."

Earlier today, Flanagan, who has apparently spent the last few days visiting friends and family in Denmark, shared the following message via Instagram: "To all those who are against vaccinations. I too believe in freedom of choice but I also believe in looking out for each other. And if I have to get vaccinated to travel and to play concerts and do what I like to do then that's what I'm gonna do. It's not about 'boot licking' like some of these assholes want to say, it's about doing what I have to do to exist in the world and do what I like to do and be responsible.

"I have traveled many times this year I have all my vaccinations my booster and I have not gotten sick. The people I know Who have gotten sick with the shots lived through it. So I choose to listen to my doctor who went to medical school as opposed to listening to conspiracy theorist's online.

"Whatever you choose to do or whatever you believe I hope you all have a healthy safe and happy new year and I hope to see you out on tour in 2022

"We will get through this!"

Harley's comments come less than two weeks after his former bandmate, ex-CRO-MAGS frontman John Joseph, said that he beat COVID-19 by "investing" in his immune system. The 59-year-old, who is also an author, Ironman triathlete and proponent of a vegan, clean-living lifestyle, shared the news of his diagnosis in an Instagram video on December 20. He said at the time that he still wouldn't get the vaccine, claiming that "the unvaccinated ain't the problem. If you got three fucking shots in and you're still getting coronavirus, you need to ask yourself what the fuck is going on," he said. "You're entrusting your health with the ones who are profiting off of your illness," Joseph added. "Think about that for a fuckin' second. Think about the disconnect that it takes for you to entrust your health to these motherfuckers. All of them — Pfizer, J&J [Johnson & Johnson], Moderna, fuckin' AstraZeneca — fuckin' corrupt companies. Do some fuckin' research. Before they were all safe and effective; now the J&J, yeah, it causes blood clots. Wake up, people. You're being fuckin' played, and that's the reality of the situation."

Back in March 2020, at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joseph said that no one was addressing "the real issue" — that eating animals is bad for human health.

The new coronavirus is believed to have originated from one of Wuhan, China's many "wet markets" — so called because animals are often slaughtered directly in front of customers. These markets put people and live and dead animals — dogs, chickens, pigs, snakes, civets, and more — in constant close contact.

In the U.S., more than 62% of the population are currently fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, while more than 73% have received at least one shot, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

More than 822,000 people have died from the coronavirus in the U.S.

According to the CDC, unvaccinated people are 10 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 compared to those who are vaccinated and had a booster shot. Unvaccinated people are also 20 times more likely to die from the virus.

According to the nonpartisan, nonprofit web site Fact Check, while vaccines reduce the probability of getting infected, they are not 100% effective, so there is a chance that an unvaccinated person could infect a vaccinated person — particularly the vulnerable, such as elderly and immunocompromised individuals. And, despite vaccination providing excellent protection against severe disease, a small proportion of vaccinated people still require ICU care.

In 2019, Joseph and drummer Mackie Jayson reached a settlement with Flanagan regarding ownership of the CRO-MAGS name. Flanagan is now performing under the name CRO-MAGS while Joseph and Jayson are performing as CRO-MAGS "JM".
























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V-MODA, award-winning manufacturer of the world's finest high-fidelity audio devices, Roland, world-renowned electronic musical instrument manufacturer, and Bravado, Universal Music Group's merchandise and brand management company, celebrate the world's greatest rock and roll band, THE ROLLING STONES, in officially licensed, limited edition over-ear headphones. The Crossfade 2 Wireless, Rolling Stones Edition, is available in three collaborations: "Classic Licks", "No Filter" and "Tattoo You", and touts award-winning signature sound (45+ Editors' Choice Awards), ensuring a premium audio experience.

Crossfade 2 Wireless, Rolling Stones Edition offers virtually identical sound in Bluetooth mode and pure analog wired mode for audiophiles, gamers, musicians, DJs, and all music listeners.

With its wireless range, multi-device paring ability, and 12+ hours of playback time, users can bring their music anywhere, anytime, with their favorite devices like smartphones, computers, turn-tables, CD players, and more.

An exclusive "RS No. 9 Carnaby" V-MODA headphones edition, the lifestyle brand from THE ROLLING STONES, with the global flagship store based at 9 Carnaby Street, London, U.K., is also set to launch in early 2022. The RS No. 9 Carnaby edition will feature the updated RS No. 9 Carnaby logo taken from the band's legendary tongue-and-lips logo, originally created by John Pasche in 1971.

"We are thrilled for THE ROLLING STONES to partner with V-MODA and Roland in this category as their world-renowned premium product aligns with the world's most recognized rock and roll band," says Frank Bartolotta, senior vice president, strategic brand partnerships and licensing at Bravado.

Yoshi Shibata, general manager, Roland, V-MODA division, added: "Customization options and impeccable sound quality set V-MODA apart from other headphones, and THE ROLLING STONES are in a league of their own as music and style icons. Bringing these three new designs to our V-MODA catalog gives fans of the band and brand retro yet stylish headphone choices with no compromise on quality."

Tony Price, CEO of Roland U.S., said: "As Roland celebrates 50 years of making world-first electronic musical instruments this year, and THE ROLLING STONES celebrate their 60th anniversary, the teams at Roland and V-MODA are grateful for the opportunity to showcase iconic design elements at the center of THE ROLLING STONES' identity within our award-winning V-MODA product lineup."

Crossfade 2 Wireless Features

* V-MODA award-winning signature sound (45+ Editors' Choice Awards) both in wireless mode via Bluetooth technology and wired mode for pure analog and zero latency essential for gamers and DJs

* Lithium-ion battery provides 12+ hours of continuous music, entertainment, and calls. Recharge it to 100% in 100 minutes thanks to the included elegant V-Micro USB cable; unlimited hours of music in analog wired mode

* Dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers and hi-resolution CCAW Japanese coil for Hi-Res Audio certification (JAS) when cabled Built-in hidden microphone specially tuned and optimized for phone calls and voice assistants

* Bigger memory foam cushions and sturdy yet flexible metal-core headband provide comfort for extended listening sessions and natural noise isolation

* CliqFold hinge for ultimate convenience and to fold headphones into impossibly small exoskeleton case on-the-go

The Crossfade 2 Wireless, Rolling Stones Edition feature 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers that provide a clean, deep bass, vivid mids and a wide 3D soundstage for a seamless listening experience. These headphones are certified by the Japan Audio Society (JAS) to Hi-Res Audio standard in wired mode and are built to travel, boasting 12+ hours of wireless playback on a single charge. They also fold down to fit into their hard-shell travel case, which includes storage room for charging and audio cables on-the-go. The ability to pair with two sources at one time is another practical feature — like a smartphone and smartwatch while working out — making it easier to be wholly connected to devices without having to sacrifice one or the other.

The V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless, Rolling Stones Edition Matte Black headphones will be available in January 2022 in three design variations, "Classic Licks", "No Filter" and "Tattoo You" for $279.99 at V-MODA.com, Amazon, and select authorized Roland and V-MODA retailers.

Nearly seven years after announcing that he would embark on a special tour during which he would perform ACCEPT songs one last time under the DIRKSCHNEIDER banner before closing that chapter for good, former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider is continuing to play ACCEPT material at select shows, including at the September 18, 2020 U.D.O. concert in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, which was released on DVD and Blu-ray in March 2021. Speaking to El Lado Oscuro about why the ACCEPT tracks are still finding their way into the U.D.O. setlist, Udo said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I was doing DIRKSCHNEIDER for nearly three years and played only ACCEPT songs for three years — I think nearly three hundred shows or whatever. And that was also not planned. It was normally planned to do maybe 10, 15 special shows, but then it was exploding. And after these three years, I really [wanted] to say, 'Come on. I don't wanna play now ACCEPT anymore.' I mean, I have, at this time, 16 albums out with U.D.O., and I said, 'Come on. We have enough own stuff.' But then we did this Bulgarian show, and, of course, the promoter was, like, 'It's a special evening. Maybe you can play some ACCEPT songs.' And I said, 'Okay. Come on. It's the only show this year. We put some ACCEPT songs into the setlist.' And [in 2021] we had two shows — in Belgium [at the] Alcatraz festival and a festival in the Czech Republic, but this was under [the name] DIRKSCHNEIDER. So that was already normally planned also for 2020 for the 'Metal Heart' anniversary show. And then they said, 'Okay, we wanna do these shows now.' And then they said, 'Okay, but you have to do it under DIRKSCHNEIDER.' And then, let's say in the end, for us, it doesn't matter which name — DIRKSCHNEIDER, U.D.O. or whatever. And in the end, it also doesn't matter what kind of songs we are playing except U.D.O.; for us, it was the most important thing to go on stage and play in front of people. And of course, the audience appreciated it. I mean, still they wanna hear these songs. Okay, I don't have to make the whole evening ACCEPT songs."

Dirkschneider went on to say that requests for him to keep playing ACCEPT material also came from promoters in America. "The promoter, they came up and said, 'Yeah, a tour, blah blah blah.' It's also now moved to [2022]. And then they said, 'Yeah, but we heard Udo doesn't wanna play any ACCEPT songs,'" he said. "And then my management said, 'Yeah.' [And the promoter said] 'Yeah, but he cannot do America without 'Balls To The Wall'. It's not possible.' They were really asking, this has to be in the setlist. Then I said, 'Okay. Come on.' I know 'Balls To The Wall' in America is huge — a huge song. So I said, 'Yeah. Come on. It doesn't matter.' And now, all the people, they come and [say], 'Yeah, when you go on tour, maybe you can put three or four songs of ACCEPT in there.' Of course, they're always asking for 'Balls To The Wall', 'Metal Heart', 'Fast As A Shark' and, let's say, 'Restless And Wild' or stuff like that. So we will see. Maybe on the next tour we put it in the end as an encore.

"In the end, [it's about giving] people what they want," Dirkschneider reasoned. "Somebody also was saying, 'Can you imagine [a] DEEP PURPLE [concert] without [them playing] 'Smoke On The Water'?' I said, 'Not really.' So he said, 'Okay. You're in the same situation. They wanna hear some classic stuff.' So that will be definitely happening."

Last March, Udo confirmed to Canada's The Metal Voice that U.D.O. will "definitely" play some ACCEPT songs if the band's North American tour materializes in 2022.

When he first announced the DIRKSCHNEIDER tour in 2015, Udo said that had "to make a clear break for myself — close the book and this is it. And I have the problem that people come to me and ask me to play more ACCEPT songs," he explained. "Other people ask me why I play ACCEPT songs at all, because there are [more than] fifteen U.D.O. records. I want to avoid such things and avoid the repeating questions concerning ACCEPT. I just can't stand that anymore. There is nothing more to be said. U.D.O. exists longer than ACCEPT. We have more records than ACCEPT."

While acknowledging that some ACCEPT fans wanted to hear the band's classic songs performed by the group's original singer, Dirkschneider explained at the time that "you always have these comparisons [between how these songs are played by ACCEPT and U.D.O.]. I don't want this anymore either. [The current lineup of ACCEPT] also play 'Metal Heart', they play 'Balls To The Wall' and 'Princess Of The Dawn'. And then some people tell me, 'Oh, [current ACCEPT singer Mark Tornillo] is doing it better than you.' And I go, 'That's fine. Enjoy yourself.' But I don't want this anymore. And to avoid all of this in the future, I said, 'We are doing this one more time.'"

Dirkschneider said in 2016 that his vow to never play ACCEPT material again came with one caveat. "If the band ACCEPT dissolves one day in the near future and I am still around with U.D.O., then there is a chance that I put ACCEPT songs back in the setlist," he said. "But currently there is ACCEPT, so go see them [if you want to see those songs performed live]. They are playing these songs."

Udo previously said the original plan was for DIRKSCHNEIDER to only "a few shows," and "then [the tour] got bigger and bigger [due to demand]." But, he added, "I don't want to complain about that."

Back in 2018, ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann declined to comment on Dirkschneider's decision to embark on one final tour during which the singer would perform nothing but ACCEPT songs. "I have lots of thoughts about that, but I'm not gonna share 'em with you," he told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". "I'd rather not comment on that, because that seems so much 'back and forth,' and I think I should stay away from it… You can draw your own conclusions all day long, but I'm not gonna get into it; it's just not worth it.

"I get asked [about Udo] so many times, and, man, it's been so many years — it's such an old story by now," Wolf continued. "We've moved on way past that, and we've had 10 brilliant years [with Mark Tornillo], we're making cool albums; I think we're doing fine. So I don't spend any time thinking about it.

"I'm very proud of the history we have together and all that, but I'm just not gonna get into the current 'he said, she said' whatever — it's not worth it," Hoffmann concluded.

THE OFFSPRING has canceled its previously announced Canadian tour with SIMPLE PLAN. The 21-date trek was scheduled to kick off on January 27 in Moncton and conclude on March 3 in Vancouver.

Earlier today, THE OFFSPRING released the following statement: "To our friends in the Great White North:

"We're bummed to be sharing this update, but after much consideration we've made the difficult decision to cancel the Canadian leg of the LET THE BAD TIMES ROLL TOUR with @simpleplan.

"There's no point in us asking you to come out and see our kick-ass show if there’s a chance that everything could shut down at the last minute. We're disappointed, but let's get through this mess together. You stay home and we’ll stay home, we'll give you your money back and then wait for a better R naught number.

"We're working hard to find a new time frame and we’ll be back to rock with you guys as soon as we can.

"Refunds for ticket purchasers will be processed automatically. Keep an eye out for more info from your point of purchase."

THE OFFSPRING also shared a three-minute video (see below) in which singer Bryan "Dexter" Holland, who has a Ph.D. in molecular biology and wrote his thesis on microRNA in HIV genomes, explains the science behind the band's decision to scrap the tour. Specifically, he discusses the R-naught or R0 value, which indicates the number of people an infected person can spread the disease to. A pandemic is considered to end if this value goes below 1.

Although there is no reliable estimate right now for the R-naught value for the omicron variant, figures for other variants vary, but it is estimated at roughly six for delta.

Holland's 175-page research paper, titled "Identification of Human MicroRNA-Like Sequences Embedded within the Protein-Encoding Genes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus", had been published in PLoS One. He had received his Ph.D. from University of Southern California in 2017.

In October, THE OFFSPRING canceled its concerts in Denver and Salt Lake City after guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman tested positive for COVID-19.

Two months earlier, longtime THE OFFSPRING drummer Pete Parada announced that was being dropped from the band's touring lineup after refusing the COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons.

Pete said a doctor had advised him not to get the shot because he has a rare autoimmune disorder. The musician said he first experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome, where a person's immune system damages their nerves, in childhood and the effects had got "progressively worse over my lifetime". He also revealed that he contracted COVID-19 over a year earlier and only had mild symptoms, "so I am confident I'd be able to handle it again", he wrote.

It is not clear if Parada, who joined the group in 2007, has now left THE OFFSPRING permanently.
























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"Angels With Dirty Faces," Lionheart's second single from the global release of Second Nature - which is now set for North American release on February 4 via Metalville Records - is a giant nod to the classic James Cagney / Humphery Bogart movie of the same name from 1938.


The song defines the high point of Lionheart's newly-founded writing collaboration with singer Lee Small and set the standard for all their subsequent work. With a memorable, singalong chorus showcasing Lionheart's famed three-part vocal harmonies along with Lionheart's classic twin-guitar harmonies from Steve Mann and Dennis Stratton, the song is powered by the inimitable combination of Rocky Newton's driving bass line together with Clive Edward's rock-solid groove on the kit.


"Angels With Dirty Faces" is a particularly fine example of modern classic rock at its best. You can watch the official video below:







The great 2017 Lionheart album, Second Nature, will be released worldwide for the first time on January 21 via Metalville Records. To mark this special event, the album has been remastered to sound punchier than ever, and now also includes two bonus tracks.


In 2017, the album Second Nature hailed Lionheart’s triumphant return to the melodic rock music scene with a collection of powerful and memorable songs featuring the distinctive harmony vocals and harmony lead guitars for which Lionheart were so renowned.


The first Lionheart album to feature the extraordinary talent of Lee Small on lead vocals, Second Nature was released in Japan (on King Records) and Europe. Unfortunately, in 2020, the European deal lapsed and the album disappeared from the market outside of Japan.


Now Metalville Records have stepped up to the plate and are releasing a repackaged version of the Second Nature album and, for the first time, globally. The release will also include the remarkable "Circle Of Bands" chart by Tristan Greatrex, which has been brought up to date and which was up to now only available in the Japanese release. Cover and tracklisting below.





Tracklisting:


"Prelude"
"Give Me The Light"
"Don’t Pay The Ferryman"
"Angels With Dirty Faces"
"30 Years"
"On Our Way"
"Second Nature"
"Prisoner"
"Every Boy In Town"
"Time Is Watching"
"Heartbeat Radio"
"Lionheart"
"Mary Did You Know" (bonus track)
"Paperback Writer" (bonus track)
"Reprise"





Lineup:


Dennis Stratton - formerly guitarist with Iron Maiden
Steve Mann - currently guitarist and keyboardist with Michael Schenker
Rocky Newton - formerly bass player and backing vocalist with McAuley Schenker Group
Clive Edwards - formerly drummer with UFO, Wild Horses, and Uli Roth
Lee Small - formerly lead vocalist with Shy and Phenomena

Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayreon) is back with a new Star One album, titled Revel In Time. The new album comes more than 10 years since the previous release and is due out on February 18 via InsideOutMusic. The final tracklisting and musicians have been revealed (see below).


The album will come as Ltd. 2CD Digipak, Ltd. Deluxe 3CD+Blu-Ray Artbook (incl. a poster of the cover artwork), and as 180g Gatefold 2LP (incl. the album on CD & an LP-Booklet).


CD2 features alternate versions of the same songs as CD1, but with different vocalists. Also available will be a 5.1 mix, a high-res audio version, and an exclusive, hour-long Behind The Scenes video, on the Blu-ray included in the Artbook.




Pre-order here.





Revel In Time tracklisting:


CD1:


"Fate Of Man" (Vocals: Brittney Slayes, Guitar solo: Michael Romeo)
"28 Days (Till The End Of Time)" (Vocals: Sir Russell Allen, Guitar solos: Timo Somers)
"Prescient" (Vocals: Michael Mills and Ross Jennings)
"Back From The Past" (Vocals: Jeff Scott Soto, Guitar solo: Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal
"Revel In Time" (Vocals: Brandon Yeagley, Guitar solos: Adrian Vandenberg)
"The Year Of ’41" (Lead vocal: Joe Lynn Turner, Vocalization: Will Shaw, Guitar solo: Joe Hoekstra, Synthesizer solo: Jens Johansson)
"Bridge Of Life" (Vocals: Damian Wilson)
"Today Is Yesterday" (Vocals: Dan Swanö, Mood synthesizers: Lisa Bella Donna, Guitar solo: Marcel Singor)
"A Hand On The Clock" (Vocals: Floor Jansen, Hammond solo: Joost van den Broek
"Beyond The Edge Of It All" (Vocals: John Jaycee Cuijpers, Guitar solo: Arjen Lucassen)
"Lost Children Of The Universe" (Vocals: Roy Khan, Choir: Hellscore Choir, Guitar solo: Steve Via)


CD 2:


"Fate Of Man" (Vocals: Marcela Bovio)
"28 Days (Till The End Of Time)" (Vocals: John Jaycee Cuijpers)
"Prescient" (Vocals: Will Shaw)
"Back From The Past" (Vocals: John Jaycee Cuijpers)
"Revel In Time" (Vocals: John Jaycee Cuijpers)
"The Year Of ’41" (Vocals and synth solo: Alessandro Del Vecchio)
"Bridge Of Life" (Vocals: Wilmer Waarbroek)
"Today Is Yesterday" (Vocals: Arjen Lucassen)
"A Hand On The Clock" (Lead and backing vocals: Marcela Bovio and Irene Jansen (verses))
"Beyond The Edge Of It All" (Vocals: Mike Andersson)
"Lost Children Of The Universe" (Vocals: Tony Martin)





"Prescient" video:





"Fate Of Man" video:





"Lost Children Of The Universe" lyric video:

Swedish progressive rock outfit, Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side, recently announced their signing with InsideOutMusic for the release of the upcoming new album, Miles From Nowhere, due out on February 18.


Today, the group release the second single and video from the album, for the track “Why I’m Here”.


Jonas comments: "This is one of the shorter but catchier songs I've written for this project and another one where I sing lead vocals myself.
A really cool thing about this song is that my brother Joel is guesting on lead guitar. It's a such blast to have him playing with the band on this album!"







Led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Jonas Lindberg, the new album consists of seven songs which spans the full range of the progressive rock landscape - from the soaring ”Summer Queen” (led by Jenny Storm), to the folksy instrumental ”Astral Journey” to the closing title track; a sprawling 25 minute epic which features none other than Roine Stolt Pale Rider (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic) on lead guitar.


Miles From Nowhere is available for pre-order here on CD, Gatefold 2LP+CD & as Digital Album.





Tracklisting:


"Secret Motive Man"
"Little Man"
"Summer Queen"
"Oceans Of Time"
"Astral Journey"
"Why I’m Here"
"Miles From Nowhere"
PT I - Overture
PT II - Don’t Walk Away
PT III - I Don’t Know Where You Are
PT IV - Memories
PT V - Miles From Nowhere


"Oceans Of Time" video:





Album teaser:

Michael Sweet has once again claimed that STRYPER was never a "Christian" band despite the fact that the lyrics in a number of STRYPER songs explicitly point to Christ. During an appearance on the latest episode of the "Talk Is Jericho" podcast hosted by FOZZY frontman and wrestling superstar Chris Jericho, he explained (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I recently, in the past few yeas, said quite a few times, and it's really caused a stir, that we're not a Christian band. And people say, 'What?' But we're Christians in a rock band. And there's a difference.

"I look at PETRA as a Christian band, I look at SWEET COMFORT, I look at REZ BAND as Christian bands, 'cause they were Christians in a rock band," the STRYPER frontman continued. "And they were brought up in the church, for the most part. We weren't brought up in the church; we were brought up on the streets of L.A. playing Gazzarri's, Troubadour, Whisky, and we became Christians. And we just continued doing what we always did, but with a different message.

"So we're a rock band that's comprised of Christians," Sweet added. "We're really not a Christian band. But if people wanna call us a Christian band, that's okay. But I view us as just a rock band that decided to take a different path."

Michael went on to say that STRYPER's lyrics come from the heart and are not meant to be a marketing gimmick, as is the case with some of the band's more extreme counterparts.

"With a band like SLAYER — not just SLAYER but a number of other black metal bands… What's interesting is STRYPER, we read the Bible, we pray, we go to church, we believe in what the Bible says," Michael said. "So by doing so, so to speak, we practice what we preach. We're not perfect — in any sense of the word, we're not perfect — but we really do our best to represent Christ, represent God and all that God stands for. But it's funny when you hear about SLAYER, and you think Satanic band, pentagram, evil, and then Tom [Araya, SLAYER frontman] is going to church every Sunday with his kids. Which is great. But my point is it's a polar opposite of what they represent themselves as. STRYPER, on the other hand, you get what you get. We are what we are on stage and off stage. It's not like we're going to the satanic church after we get off stage."

Even though STRYPER's third album, 1986's "To Hell With The Devil", made Sweet and his bandmates the first contemporary Christian act to score a platinum album, the group has often felt unwelcome in Christian circles, with some members of the church feeling that Christianity and heavy metal are incompatible.

In a 2018 interview with the Detroit Free Press, Michael said that STRYPER was never fully embraced by the heavy metal and hard rock communities, largely because of the band's Christian lyrics.

"We've never been accepted by either side," he said. "The secular side, the mainstream, they've never accepted us to this day. We're probably that band that everyone's going to go to whenever there's a time to mock. We'll be the band used for that in most cases. Now on the Christian side, we've never really had the full support of the Christian side because we don't fit into their little club. We're not wearing suits and ties and going to every church and preaching."

Formed 39 years ago, STRYPER's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include "To Hell With The Devil", "Second Coming", "No More Hell To Pay", "Fallen", "God Damn Evil" and the band's latest effort, "Even The Devil Believes".

THE OBSESSED frontman Scott "Wino" Weinrich has doubled down on his claim that COVID-19 was created as a "depopulation tool."

Back in August, Wino took to his social media to fuel the conspiracy theory that coronavirus is a genetically engineered bioweapon that U.S. researchers helped create, and that thousands of doctors, scientists and elected leaders are apparently conspiring to hide the truth. Wino went on to claim that he had done extensive research through YouTube, scientific publications, journals and lectures, and insisted that the evidence points to the the virus existing and being weaponized.

Weinrich discussed his controversial COVID-19 views in a new interview with Shawn Ratches of Laughingmonkeymusic. He said: "I had COVID. So it totally exists; I'm not denying that it exists. And I'm not anti-vaxx either. But we know for a fact… You can go right on the Moderna web site," he continued, referencing the biotech company behind one of the three federally cleared COVID-19 vaccines. "It's not a vaccination. It's not a vaccination by any standards. It is a platform. That's what they say on their web site. So anybody can take it from there.

"When the government comes out and says there's no federal response to COVID, what the fuck does that mean? What that means is that CDC protocol prohibits the use of anything that will cure you.

"No matter what anybody says, I know what I know, and it all points to a sinister depopulation agenda. And I don't give a fuck what anybody thinks. That's what I believe."

Wino went on to imply that he has no plans to get the COVID-19 vaccine anytime soon. "If I'm gonna stick an injection in my body, I wanna get high," he laughed.

Like other COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant individuals, Wino said that he considers himself a critical thinker who puts a high premium on having done his own research and distrusts authorities or mainstream experts.

"I often wonder what is it about me or about other people that just makes me have this intense curiosity where it makes me wanna dig deep," he said. "I don't really understand what that is. I think maybe it has something to do with genetic imprint — possibly. I don't know."

Despite Weinrich's claim to the contrary, Moderna does refer to its COVID-19 vaccine as a "vaccine." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed safety data from clinical trials and granted emergency use authorization for the vaccine.

Although Moderna's web site compares the mRNA science in its vaccine to an "operating system," the phrase is used in a metaphorical sense, not a literal one. It says: "Recognizing the broad potential of mRNA science, we set out to create an mRNA technology platform that functions very much like an operating system on a computer. It is designed so that it can plug and play interchangeably with different programs. In our case, the 'program' or 'app' is our mRNA drug — the unique mRNA sequence that codes for a protein."

When Weinrich canceled his appearance at the Psycho Las Vegas festival last August, the doom metal godfather and THE OBSESSED founder, who was scheduled to play an acoustic set at the event, said that "we are under the authoritarian cloak of a small cadre of unelected so called 'elite' who are beyond rich and consequently consider themselves above the common man. This virus I believe was created as a depopulation tool, and the fear associated with it as a means to subjugate and enslave you and I, the common people."

Wino and the rest of THE OBSESSED originally hit the road with THE SKULL in July but THE SKULL was forced to drop off the tour the following month after that band's lead singer, fellow doom metal legend Eric Wagner (formerly of TROUBLE), was hospitalized for COVID pneumonia. Wagner, who was reportedly not vaccinated against COVID-19, died days later at the age of 62.

Wino has dealt with drug abuse throughout the years and famously got busted with meth in Norway in 2014 while touring with SAINT VITUS.

EVERY TIME I DIE has called it quits, a little over a month after the band said it was working on its issues with singer Keith Buckley "privately."

On December 3, the Buffalo-based outfit announced that it would play the last three concerts of its recent tour without Buckley, explaining that the frontman was taking time off from the road to "rest and prepare" for the band's holiday shows, the annual events dubbed "'TID The Season".

Buckley later issued a statement on social media in which he accused his brother, EVERY TIME I DIE guitarist Jordan Buckley, and his other bandmates of platting "to replace me this entire time." He added that he was being "ostracized" from the band he had "built for 20 years because I made a decision to do whatever it took to be a good human being."

Keith Buckley managed to set aside his issues with the rest of EVERY TIME I DIE long enough to play the aforementioned "'TID The Season" concerts in the band's hometown of Buffalo, on December 10 and December 11. But earlier today, Jordan Buckley (lead guitar), Andy Williams (rhythm guitar), Stephen Micciche (bass) and Clayton "Goose" Holyoak (drums ) issued a statement in which they confirmed that they were unable to reach an agreement with their estranged singer and were indeed going their separate ways.

The statement reads: "Andy, Jordan, Steve and Goose's last show with EVERY TIME I DIE was on Dec 11, 2021.

"While we hoped to come to an agreed upon legal statement that outlined the truth, we were informed today of something planned to be released not mutually agreed upon that consists of inaccuracies and controls a narrative to benefit one.

"There has been no direct communication with Keith, because it's either impossible for direct communication with him solely or we've been cut off to any and all communication by him himself.

"EVERY TIME I DIE was these 5 members, and we were never budging or accepting any changes. Simply, there is zero truth about the band continuing on with a new singer. Lastly, we wouldn't be where we are today without every single person that's backed the band in any & all ways.

"While we're extremely disappointed in how this was played out online in front of you, your support and the memories we have because of you all will always be cherished.

"See you soon. Forever grateful,

"Andy, Jordan, Steve & Goose".

Keith Buckley has since responded by sharing a letter sent to him by law firm Savur Law, dated December 20, 2021, saying that it had been retained by the rest of the band "for legal representation in connection with a separation agreement" between them and Buckley. The letter asks Buckley contact the law firm by December 27 to discuss "the business terms of an amicable separation between the parties". It also orders Buckley to "immediately cease and desist from making any statements… that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the professional name, prestige, image, reputation, practices, or conduct" of the band. It also requests Buckley "immediately cease and desist all usage of the Band name, logo, or other intellectual property until there is a formal signed separation agreement between the parties."

EVERY TIME I DIE's ninth studio album, "Radical", was released in October via Epitaph.

The band's LPs "The Big Dirty" (2007), "New Junk Aesthetic" (2009), "Ex Lives" (2012), "From Parts Unknown" (2014) and "Low Teens" all reached the top 50 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Both "Ex Lives" and "Low Teens" were No. 1 on Billboard's Hard Rock album chart.




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— jordan buckley (@JordanETID) January 17, 2022








RIP ETID ‘98-‘21 pic.twitter.com/ucjq7qLIQ1

— Bunkhouse Butch (@andycomplains) January 17, 2022








pic.twitter.com/Sp3EIN0maf

— keith buckley (@deathoftheparty) January 18, 2022

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman Jesse Leach has implored his social media followers to engage in civil discourse about sometimes divisive issues, saying we "have much to learn from one another even if we do feel a stark disagreement with another."

The 43-year-old singer, who has been open about his battles with anxiety and depression, took to his Instagram on Thursday (December 30) to share a short clip from an earlier Instagram Live video he made, and he included the following message: "I thought this particular part was worth a share if nothing else then to shed some light on why I am not screaming and preaching my (ever changing) opinions (be it political or about this virus) all over social media.

"This is one of those moments that I did not plan or think through. I was simply answering a comment on the live feed. I then rewatched it and thought perhaps this will inspire someone to seek wisdom and understanding (over self righteousness and berating someone else for different perspectives, opinions or beliefs). I may be way off but so be it.

"I am certain there are some diehard unwavering people who will take issue with my thoughts, I digress and welcome their differences," he continued.

"Perhaps I am a hopeless optimist or in truth I just desire a better world for us all to find a place to belong and find some harmony. I know this is idealistic but it is at the core of who I am regardless of your opinion on my way of thinking.

"We all are on a path of decisions and evolving mind-states. We need to engage in dialogue and civil discussion to learn anything from each other. We also all know that really isn't happening, as we are in extremely divisive and desperate times. We do have much to learn from one another even if we do feel a stark disagreement with another. I speak from experience.

"In life there are those of us who lead the charge, those of us who cower and hide and those of us who observe and contemplate in the hopes to bring balance to the push and pull of humanity," Jesse added. "I identify with the latter and consider myself a mediator and philosopher.

"Everyone plays a role and has a calling and a strength. Sometimes it's not what you say but what you don't say that can carry a great deal of weight. That and the way something is said as opposed to or in conjunction with the content of what is being said.

"We have a long way in various levels to go to navigate out of the current crisis we find ourselves in. Many of us will have PTSD for years to come especially our children.

"I do hope some day soon we begin that climb up from the depths to a higher plane of consciousness and understanding with one another.

"Until then choose your weapon be it strength, self control, hope, vigilance, love, wisdom, gentle persuasion or conviction.

"Just remember you don't know the whole truth in any situation unless it is your very own. When it comes to society and the underworking of humanity as a whole, there is much hidden misunderstood and much to be learned. After all in the grand scheme of existence we are still growing as a species and haven't even come close to reaching our fullest potential as sentient and intelligent beings.

"I do hope this finds you in good spirits despite the constant warfare and battles we face in the flesh and in the spirit.

"Here's to your health and your happiness as we approach 2022.

"I do hope, pray and plan on working to help bring us better days and much less division and hate.

"Ps: Try your best to just not be an inconsiderate ass to your fellow human, that's a good start.

"'You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one.'

"One love".

Two and a half years ago, Leach discussed his openness about mental health in an interview with "Cutter's Rockcast". He stated at the time: "I feel like it's kind of my responsibility, but it's something I do on a regular basis, and personally, talking about it has helped me so much. I feel like that's the least I can do is keep that conversation gong, even if it's exhausting at times, even if it's hard to do. There are days out here when the last thing in the world I want to do is talk to somebody. I want to stay in my bunk and sleep the day away. Everyone who deals with certain mental illnesses knows what that is like. That's just fuel to my fire, I think. My life was saved by being able to talk about this kind of stuff, so I feel like if anything I do can help anyone in that way, whether it's just letting people know they're not alone, why would I not do that? It's something that's near and dear to my heart. It's become sort of a passion source, something I feel like I have to do."

Regarding what he would say to someone who is having mental health issues, Jesse added: "Any way you can, let people know you need help. The conversation is so important, and that feeling again of you're not alone, that is so important because I think one of the biggest causes of suicide is feeling alone, feeling like people won't understand. There's always somebody out there. There's somebody out there who probably has it even worse than you do and [can] really drop some knowledge on you and change your whole entire perspective. That's happened to me a few times. It continues to be something I struggle with; it's not going away. That doesn't mean you don't continue to talk about it and continue to push through that uncomfortableness that you may feel or that awkwardness, and that's it for me. The only alternative to that is you take yourself out, honestly, man. I have friends who have done it, and it kills me, because they know I'm there for them, but you have to sort of own it within yourself. You have to learn tools to know how to ask for help and not everybody has that. Getting therapy is really good. Taking the right pills or whatever gets you through, whether it's medical marijuana or whatever the case may be. I'm an advocate for any of that stuff — whatever gets the job done and helps you feel like you're getting help and you're less alone."
























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KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has paid tribute to Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, saying he will be "forever loved and missed".

On Friday (January 7), Simmons took to his Twitter to share a photo him with Lee, and he included the following message: "I miss Stan Lee. We would meet over the years and talk about life and comics. I've always been a fanboy and used to torture Stan's Sec'y Flo Steinberg to let me speak to Stan…Stan sent me this before he sadly passed, in his handwriting! Forever loved and missed!"

Lee died on November 12, 2018 at the age of 95 after being rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, Lee was born as Stanley Lieber in Manhattan on December 28, 1922. He went to work as a teenager at Timely Comics, the forerunner of what briefly became Atlas Comics and then Marvel. Working his way up to editor and writer, Lee and artist Jack Kirby changed the face of comics and pop culture forever in 1961 when they created the superhero team The Fantastic Four.

From that point on, Lee — along with Kirby and other artists like Steve Ditko — launched one iconic character after another, including Iron Man, Thor, Spider-Man, the Hulk, the Avengers, the X-Men, Daredevil, Black Panther, Doctor Strange and many more, all existing together in a shared universe that became known as the Marvel Universe. The comics, books, movies, games and TV shows that have sprung from the work done by Lee, Kirby and others are now the basis of a multi-billion-dollar multi-media empire owned by Disney.

Lee's characters were groundbreaking in that they were flawed, vulnerable and insecure, subject to family fights, financial difficulties and other normal human problems and issues. The stories also addressed concerns of their times such as racism and war.

Many other rock musicians were inspired by Lee's stories and characters. Rob Zombie wrote, "Marvel comics was one of the best things I remember about being a kid. Thanks for everything. What would we have done without you?"

Alice Cooper said in a statement on his Facebook page: "Apart from being a hero in the comic world, Stan was so much fun to be around. He had a regal air about him. He was gracious to his fans too - he knew who he was to people and seemed to love every minute of it. Of course MY absolute favorite thing about Stan Lee is that when he had me drawn for the comics, it was with great abs. Thanks for that Stan!"

METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett offered, "Stan Lee was a visionary and a pioneer. I owe a lot to him for personally shaping my childhood fantasy worlds, my appreciation for art on all levels, & for teaching me humanness and humility through his wonderfully insightful stories."

SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor said simply, "Heartbroken. Thank you for making me believe in heroes," while BAD WOLVES guitarist Doc Coyle remarked, "RIP Stan Lee. A true legend."

Lee had been ill in recent years and lost his wife of 69 years, Joan, in July 2017. He is survived by a daughter, Joan "J.C." Lee, along with the universe, characters and stories that will endure for generations to come.




I miss Stan Lee. We would meet over the years and talk about life and comics. I’ve always been a fanboy and used to torture Stan’s Sec’y Flo Steinberg to let me speak to Stan…Stan sent me this before he sadly passed, in his handwriting! Forever loved and missed! pic.twitter.com/KKNYAfidHx

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 7, 2022

DISTURBED's David Draiman has blasted people who compare COVID-19 vaccination requirements to the Holocaust.

The 48-year-old Hawaii-based singer, who is Jewish, took to his social media earlier today (Sunday, January 9) to write: "People who compare having to have proof of vaccination to get in a restaurant to the Holocaust are cordially invited to go fuck themselves."

A number of right-wing politicians and conservative media pundits worldwide have comparisons to the Holocaust, saying society's widening exclusions of the unvaccinated was headed down a similar path taken by Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1945 when an estimated six million Jewish people were killed during World War II.

Draiman is not the only hard rock or heavy metal musician to speak out against comparisons between COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the Holocaust. Last November, KISS frontman Paul Stanley hit out at those who were pictured wearing yellow Star of Davids similar to ones the Nazis forced Jewish people to display during the Holocaust while protesting COVID-19 mandates in Kansas. At the time, Stanley, who is also Jewish, shared a tweet about the protesters and he included the following message: "APPALLING. This is despicable. Stupidity is no excuse for being ignorant. I grieve for 6 MILLION JEWS who suffered and perished only to be trivialized by a bunch of morons who surely MUST have the capacity to read and know better. Stunned."

In October, Stanley, who often tweets about political issues to his 615,000 followers, weighed in on the controversy that erupted after a district leader in Texas asked teachers to offer students books with an "opposing perspective" of the Holocaust. Stanley tweeted at the time: "This is so FUCKED. There will ALWAYS be 'opposing views' but there are NEVER opposing FACTS."

TWISTED SISTER's Jay Jay French, a fellow Jew, agreed, chiming in in a tweet: "completely insane. and you can thank Trump for unleashing the stupids".

Last month, Draiman said that he had lost thousands of social media followers since publicizing his trip to Israel in November.

On November 30, Draiman lit a candle at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel at the Old City site of the terror attack that killed South African immigrant Eli Kay. He later claimed that he lost 4,000 followers after sharing photos of his "demonstration" at the Western Wall.

Draiman, the son of Israelis and the grandson of Holocaust survivors, spent much of 2014 and early 2015 linking to articles by conservative and pro-Israel blogs and has often used his fame to speak out against anti-Semitism.

DISTURBED's song "Never Again", from 2010's "Asylum" album, was written about the Holocaust and calls out people who deny it.

Both of Draiman's maternal grandparents were survivors of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, while many others on his mother's side were wiped out by the Nazis.

The United States Holocaust Museum has featured Draiman in its "Voices On Anti-Semitism" podcasts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that COVID-19 vaccines are "critical" to ending the pandemic, which has killed more than five million people globally. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unvaccinated people are 5.8 times more likely to catch the virus and 14 times more likely to die from it.
























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During an appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL, VINCE NEIL) spoke about the status of DEADLAND RITUAL, the supergroup he started a few years ago with bassist Geezer Butler (BLACK SABBATH), drummer Matt Sorum (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER) and singer Franky Perez (APOCALYPTICA).

"I think it's done, although there was a lot of material that was written that I hope will see the light of day in some form or another," the guitarist said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "I'm still friendly with all those guys."

As for what caused DEADLAND RITUAL to come to and end after only releasing two songs, Stevens said: "It was really difficult. We were about to sign a deal. We went out and toured Europe. We're all seasoned musicians and we're used to a certain lifestyle, and here we were having to open. We did a number of festival dates and small club dates. Initially, everyone said they were willing to do that, willing to get in the trenches. When reality hit and there was crappy food and crappy hotels and all that kind of stuff, I think people lost interest."

Steve went on to praise the musical chemistry between the members of DEADLAND RITUAL, saying: "From the first day of rehearsal, to walk in there and play against the sound of Geezer Butler, man, I would have paid just to be there. Incredible. For bass players to have such a unique and profound influence on music, those records and that sound that I grew up with, and there I am playing against it, the hair stood up on my fucking arms. I mean, it was incredible. And [he's] such a gentleman. And the rhythm section of him and Matt was undeniable."

Last March, Butler told "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that DEADLAND RITUAL was "dead." He explained: "The virus put the final nail in the coffin. We had 12 or 13 songs written. We were about to go into the studio [in] March [2020], and everything closed down. Matt left the band. And Steve has got, I think, a lung condition or something, so he couldn't leave the house 'cause of the virus. And we just didn't revive it. You never know — we might do it next year or something. I don't know."

A few hours after BLABBERMOUTH.NET published Geezer's comments, he took to his Twitter to write: "I would like to clarify a recent interview remark I made, concerning DEADLAND RITUAL, and Steve Stevens. I was referring to the start of the pandemic, how it stopped us from going into the studio to record. I said Steve wouldn't leave his house because of a lung condition."

He continued: "I was told Steve had a respiratory problem & didn't want to risk getting Covid. I totally agreed. Anyway, I want you all to know that Steve is up and about and has no 'lung condition'. In fact he played at this past Super Bowl. #lockdown #COVID19 @Stevestevens #clarification".

DEADLAND RITUAL released two songs, "Down In Flames" and "Broken And Bruised" in late 2018 and early 2019. Both tracks, which were produced by Greg Fidelman (METALLICA, SLIPKNOT), were made available via Sonik Riot Records/AWAL powered by Kobalt.

For its live performances, DEADLAND RITUAL's setlist consisted of several original tracks alongside classic songs from the members' previous bands, including BLACK SABBATH's "Symptom Of The Universe", "Neon Knights" and "Sweet Leaf", VELVET REVOLVER's "Slither" and BILLY IDOL's "Rebel Yell".

Geezer previously said that he initially had no plans to join another band after SABBATH completed its "The End" farewell tour.

"Well, I retired after the last SABBATH show," he said. "I just traveled and did everything that I wanted to do when I was retired for a year. And then I got fed up watching the TV every day. And I started writing stuff again, 'cause that's what you do. I've been doing it for 50 years, so it's in your blood. You can't just stop, especially when it's your hobby as well. And I just got back into writing stuff. I was planning on doing another solo album, a GZR thing. And I got a few songs together for that. And then Matt got in touch with me about DEADLAND RITUAL."

Asked what appealed to him about being in a band again, Geezer said: "It's what I've known since I started when I was 16; I was in a band. When you're doing solo stuff, it's just you writing stuff. There's nobody to bounce off, and I really missed that. It's good to have people saying, 'That's good. That'll work.' Or, 'That's not so good.' And I missed having that. The guitarist that I worked with in GZR, he's just moved to the East Coast and he's got other things on his plate at the moment. With DEADLAND RITUAL, everybody's local, so it's easy to get together. And you don't have to plan months in advance to do an album or write songs. If I feel like writing a song today, I call up Steve, go around to Steve's house, and we try something."

DEADLAND RITUAL made its live debut in May 2019 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.