Bruce Dickinson has confirmed that IRON MAIDEN is planning to stage a tour where it will perform its new album, "Senjutsu", in its entirety.

The 63-year-old singer discussed MAIDEN's future touring plans during an appearance on the latest episode of the "Talk Is Jericho" podcast, hosted by FOZZY frontman and wrestling superstar Chris Jericho.

Bruce said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The plan we've got — it's not really a secret; I think everybody else has chatted about it — we will, I hope, we've talked about doing the entire ['Senjutsu'] album start to finish, but not this time around. And we all appreciate that that is something that really diehard fans will probably love and other people will go, 'Hmmm, I'm not gonna go see that.' So the answer is you play smaller venues so that they sell out with just your diehard fans. 'Cause it's a musical thing to do — it's a musical thing."

Dickinson went on to clarify that the 2022 leg of MAIDEN's "Legacy Of The Beast" tour, which is scheduled to kick off in late May in Zagreb, Croatia, will once again focus primarily on a decades-spanning setlist of fan favorites.

"The 'Legacy Of The Beast' tour, people have all paid their money to see the 'Legacy Of The Beast' show, with Spitfires and flamethrowers and Icarus and everything that goes with," he said. "So they're gonna get all that. But the first three tracks are probably gonna be the first three tracks on the ['Senjutsu'] album. 'The Writing On The Wall' they already know, so everybody should know the first three tracks. And I just think [the] 'Senjutsu' [title track] is just such a great opening song — so dramatic. And then once you've done that — and we'll have a stage set to go with it — once you've done that, you're back to the kind of 'Legacy' world at that point. But I think 'The Writing On The Wall' is gonna be a great song — I mean, a crowd singalong song. You can imagine that. It'll be fantastic."

Addressing the fact that MAIDEN infuriated some fans by forcing them to sit through the band's then-new, 75-minute "A Matter Of Life And Death" album on tour in 2006, denying the crowd the greatest hits they'd come for, Bruce said: "Nobody has to buy a ticket. If you don't wanna go [see us play an entire new album live], you don't buy a ticket. It's gonna be plain as the nose on your face. This is gonna be what they're gonna do. So given that, don't complain that they did what they said they were gonna do."

Clocking in at a hefty 82 minutes, "Senjutsu" came out in September. It marks MAIDEN's second consecutive double album behind 2015's "The Book Of Souls" which is the longest MAIDEN album, with a running time of 92 minutes.

IRON MAIDEN's first album in six years, "Senjutsu" was recorded in 2019 in Paris with longstanding producer Kevin Shirley and co-produced by bassist Steve Harris. It features three tracks whose running time exceeds 10 minutes each.

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.

According to Billboard, "Senjutsu" logged the second-largest week of 2021 for a hard rock album in both equivalent album units earned and in traditional album sales.

"Senjutsu" topped the charts in several European countries upon its release, including in Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland.

German power metal crusaders Brainstorm confirmed that their long-time bassist Antonio Ieva has decided to leave the ranks due promotion at his work. He was part of the band for the last 15 years and contributed his share on several released records.

Comments the band on Toni's departure: ''After 15 years, 6 albums, countless worldwide shows and tours, Toni unfortunately informed us a few days ago that he has to leave the band due to professional changes in his day job. Unfortunately, the time frame and the upcoming tasks for Brainstorm will no longer make it possible for Toni to be part of the band in the future. With a heavy heart we understand and accept Toni's decision, thank him from the bottom of our hearts for an incredibly great time, sensational moments and wish him all the best, health and success for the future! We will miss him very much as a person and as a fellow musician.

"But we would also like to look forward at this point and are really looking forward to the upcoming concerts for our newest album 'Wall Of Skulls', which will all hopefully take place this year.
As we would also like to present you a new Brainstorm bass player until then, we are now looking for and are open to all possible candidates for the job on the Brainstorm bass. If you're in the mood for shows, tours and studio recordings, if you love the stage and of course, our music, please contact us through info@brainstorm-web.net. There's a lot to come! Bye for now."

Antonio Ieva explains his situation: "From the last concert of the 'Liquid Monster Tour' to the first concert of the 'Wall Of Skulls Tour' I really experienced a great and memorable time of metal madness with the mighty Brainstorm. Over a span of 15 years, 6 albums, hundreds of shows, tons of flapping pants and countless bass strings I have always been 100% focused on the music... with my heart for the fans! But now the time has come for some, different and new challenges in my life. Because of my work in the hospital and for organizational reasons I have to leave the band. Unfortunately there is no way back.

"I want to thank all our amazing fans, our amazing crew and of course the guys from Brainstorm for our amazing journey. I wish you all only the best. But anyone who knows me a little can imagine what music means to me... so you can't get rid of me. That's for sure! Cheers, stay strong, stay healthy, have a beer and take care of yourself and your loved ones."

From the shadows of Slovenia, Shadow Universe is an instrumental music project, creating breath-taking cinematic soundscapes from post-rock, neoclassical, ambient, and post-metal elements. Their third album, Subtle Realms, Subtle Worlds will be released worldwide on March 11 via Monotreme Records. In advance of its release, the band unveils second single, “Hymn For The Giants”.


Masterfully harnessing both the quiet and the loud, “Hymn For The Giants” glorifies our almighty and precious trees, with moments of calm cut apart by vast swathes of brutal, yet considered, cacophony. Watch an official visualizer below.


Formed in 2017 by Peter Dimnik and Žan Šebrek, Shadow Universe merges contrasting textures of shimmering ambient soundscapes and heavy anxious darkness to portray the diversity of nature and life on earth and beyond.




Every person experiences the world differently, which puts us into our own unique bubbles and subtle worlds. Subtle Realms, Subtle Worlds finds the band turning their songs into living, breathing ecosystems, carefully dissecting every moment of peace and chaos alike. The album sees the building particles of the universe as separate worlds, with their own story, perception, rules, and individual inner realm.


Subtle Realms, Subtle Worlds was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Peter Dimnik. The album will be released on CD and digital formats as well as limited edition vinyl (480 copies on black, cream/black Galaxy effect, and cream with blue splatter vinyl).





Subtle Realms, Subtle Worlds tracklisting:


"Organism"
"Don’t Look At It And You’ll See It"
"Hymn For The Giants"
"Losing Home"
"Antares Goes Supernova"
"Season Of Eternal Maze"


"Hymn For The Giants" visualizer:





(Photo - Jan Pirnat)

Saigon Kick vocalist Matt Kramer has taken to social media with the following unexpected announcement:


"Everyday I am asked when I am going to get back into music? I have PTSD something terrible from the daily abuse from the members in Saigon Kick. There wasn’t one day that went by that they didn’t threaten me out of the band or treat me like absolute garbage. All of them. Trusting anyone in the music business is a far stretch for me. I’ve never said this out loud but the only reason why we got a record deal is from my live performances. No joke. At this point it really doesn’t matter, but I have absolutely no association with anyone from that band. Completely washed my hands and if you are following them. Don’t follow me."


Saigon Kick was formed in Miami, Florida in 1988. The band is best known for their second album, The Lizard, released in 1992. It peaked at #80 on the Billboard 200, driven by the single "Love Is On The Way", which reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Both the album and the single have been certified gold.










(Photo by Joey Chambrot courtesy of Aventura Magazine)


 

Delivering an alluring, dark sound the Australian symphonic-goth metal act are preparing for a North American release of their debut album Advenae on March 18th 2022. Carving their way into the international symphonic metal scene, Carmeria has crafted an offering that is both ghostly and divine. 


"This album has been six years in the making. From multiple line-up changes to various developments in direction, it feels quite surreal to finally release this body of work. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created, and are thrilled to be building on the momentum we’ve harnessed over the last 12 months. The band is in a brilliant phase of production and creativity at the moment. I am extremely excited for the future of Carmeria, and can’t wait to witness the ongoing response to this album." - Jordan Von Grae (vocalist)


Carmeria embrace musical influences from across the board, from the orchestration and cinematic work of Hans Zimmer to the gothic rock stylings of Him, along with symphonic metal giants Nightwish. Advenae unleashes a world of soaring melodies intertwined with a monstrous heaviness. From the theatrical opening of the title track, segueing into the delicate and yet demonic “Morningstar”, through to the gothic fantasy “Eternity” which soon diminishes into a haunting nightmare. Guttural vocals, staccato orchestration and dissonance induce an immersive experience with a prominent and intriguing carnivalesque style organ melody. It’s a thrilling conclusion to the album. 




Carmeria leaves no stone unturned in their gothic-symphonic endeavour. Musically, they combine ethereal melodies, with epic harsh vocals thundering guitar rhythms. The atmosphere flowing through the album twists and turns ensuring that both aspects of dark and light endure. Advenae is an enchanting release and beautiful addition to the wealth of symphonic metal music.





Tracklisting:


"Advenae"
"Morningstar"
"Carpe Noctem"
"En Rapture"
"Relinquished"
"To Lead The Blind"
"Celestia"
"Solaris"
"Starfall"
"Veil Of Sanctitude"
"Halo"
"Eternity"


"Morningstar" video:





"Carpe Noctem" video:





"Relinquished" lyric video:





"To Lead The Blind" video:





"Celestia" video:





"Solaris" video:





 

Former Black Sabbath vocalist Tony Martin has checked in with the following update via his official Facebook page.


"So, I got a call from Tony Iommi's manager. It seems there is now a record deal for my era of Sabbath albums! It looks like a  re-issue is actually going to happen! There could be a LOT of 'Tony Martin' around this year! Sorry about that!"


Martin fronted Black Sabbath from 1987 - 1991, and again from 1993 - 1997. He recorded five studio albums with the band:  The Eternal Idol (1987), Headless Cross (1989), Tyr (1990), Cross Purposes (1994) and Forbidden (1995).







Martin recently guested on the Almost Human podcast, and during the discussion he confirmed rumours and reports that he recorded demo vocals for the band's 1992 album, Dehumanizer. It was Black Sabbath's first studio album in over a decade to feature vocalist Ronnie James Dio.


Martin: "They fired me (before the Dehumanizer recording sessions) which was a complete surprise. I didn't see that coming at all. I was just so shocked by that; I didn't know what to say, do or anything, but within weeks I was back. I got a call from Tony Iommi saying, 'This isn't going very well with Dio.' I said, 'Oh, really?' and he said, 'No, can you come back?' And I said, 'No. I can't come back. I've already started doing my solo stuff and I've moved on.'


A few months went by, and he called me again, and he said, 'Are you sure you can't come back? It's really not working.' So they invited me to go to the studio when they were recording the stuff, and I did try to get some melodies and stuff, but they were short of time, as usual. I did try; I just couldn't get anything that was gonna sound better than what they'd done (with Dio), and I have to make it sound like Tony Martin. There's no point in asking me to do it if you don't want me to sound like me. So at that point I was kind of thinking, 'I don't really wanna just keep copying people's stuff.' I did try and I did put some demos down, but I doubt very much... in fact, I'm 99%certain there's nothing left of (the recordings). I've got a couple of brief cassette copies of something I tried, but it's really horrible quality. It just reminds me of the day. I did give it a go, but I don't think I could do better than what they'd done."

British rockers BRING ME THE HORIZON have pushed back their previously announced European headline tour to 2023 due to a surge in COVID-19 cases across the continent.

Earlier today, the band released the following statement: "Unfortunately due to the ongoing COVID situation across Europe, our February EU headline tour needs to be postponed.

"We want to bring you the full show with no holding back – the true Post Human experience – but we need to do it safely.

"Updates on Lyon and Budapest will be coming soon.

"See you there."

2023 dates:

Feb. 02 - Hannover Swiss Life Hall

Feb. 03 - Berlin Max-Schmeling-Halle

Feb. 04 - Frankfurt Messehalle

Feb. 06 - Gliwice Arena Gliwice

Feb. 07 - Prague Mala Sportovini Hala

Feb. 09 - Vienna Stadthalle

Feb. 10 - Munich Zenith

Feb. 11 - Milan Mediolanium Forum

Feb. 13 - Toulouse Zenith

Feb. 15 - Lisbon Sala Tejo

Feb. 18 - Madrid Palacio Vistalegre

Feb. 19 - Barcelona Saint Jordi Club

Feb. 21 - Basel St. Jakobshalle

Feb. 22 - Stuttgart Schleyer-Halle

Feb. 24 - Amsterdam Ziggo Dome

Feb. 25 - Hamburg Barclays Arena

Feb. 26 - Dusseldorf Mitsubishi Electric Halle

Feb. 28 - Antwerp Lotto Arena

Support on the trek will still come from A DAY TO REMEMBER and POORSTACY.

Last September, BRING ME THE HORIZON launched a new single titled "DiE4u". Recorded remotely during the pandemic with frontman Oli Sykes stuck in Brazil and keyboardist Jordan Fish in the U.K., "DiE4u" was part of the second phase of the "Post Human" EP campaign.

BRIT and Grammy-nominated quintet BRING ME THE HORIZON is one of the most electrifying and successful rock bands to emerge from the U.K. The group released its gold-certified sixth studio album, "Amo", in 2019, which debuted at No. 1 in 17 markets and was named "one of the most anticipated albums of 2019" by Billboard, with NME describing it as "bold, brilliant and boundary-pushing." "Amo" garnered the band their second Grammy nomination for "Best Rock Album" after the LP's first single, "Mantra", earned them a nod for "Best Rock Song" in 2018. The Sheffield five-piece also received its first BRIT Award nomination for "Best Group" last year. BRING ME THE HORIZON has sold over four million albums globally to date, played sold-out shows in over 40 countries, including two sold-out nights at London's O2 and one night at The Forum in Los Angeles, wowed a traditionally non-rock crowd at Glastonbury Festival in 2016 and 2018, and stole the show at high profile festivals across Europe all summer 2019. "Amo" followed 2016's critically acclaimed, platinum-certified "That's The Spirit", which entered the U.K. charts and the U.S. Billboard album chart at No. 2. They have now also amassed over one billion video views on YouTube. BRING ME THE HORIZON is vocalist Oli Sykes, guitarist Lee Malia, bassist Matt Kean, drummer Mat Nicholls, and keyboardist Jordan Fish.




eUroPE hEadLinE t0ur 2023. sEe u TheRE? https://t.co/nk94NN5Qzi pic.twitter.com/TsN7rOxsSR

— Bring Me The Horizon (@bmthofficial) January 18, 2022

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian was joined by his 10-year-old son Revel Young Ian on drums as they performed a rendition of the SEPULTURA classic "Roots Bloody Roots" for an Instagram video which Scott shared earlier today (Tuesday, January 18).

Scott captioned the video: "ROOTS BLOODY ROOTS!!! Garage jam with my man! Next time I’ll turn the guitar up and yes, it's a 7-string."

Revel is apparently a gifted multi-instrumentalist who previously joined the FOO FIGHTERS on stage in September 2019 at the Bourbon & Beyond festival in Louisville, Kentucky to perform "Everlong" on guitar when he was just eight years old.

Back in 2014, Ian told Horns Up Rocks that his then-three-old son was a big fan of METALLICA, THE BEATLES and AC/DC and that he could already tell the difference between Bon Scott's voice and that of Brian Johnson.

"He knows a lot of the stuff that he hears or sees in the house," Scott said at the time. "But what's really cool is that he actually recognizes and knows the difference between Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, which is pretty cool, I think, for an almost three-year-old. Anytime AC/DC is on, he'll go, 'That's Bon singing.' And then when it's not Bon, he'll say, 'That's not Bon singing.' He knows. That's pretty cool, I think."

Asked whether metal musicians should be parents, Ian said it was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He added: "I think you have to take that on a case-by-case basis. I couldn't say enough about having a child; I think it's the greatest thing ever in the whole world. But I do think that there are a lot of people on this planet, not necessarily metal musicians, that shouldn't be parents."
























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A post shared by Scott Ian (@scottianthrax)

L.A.-based band, Land Of Gypsies, features an artistic union between vocalist Terry Ilous (XYZ, ex-Great White), together with producer and bassist Fabrizio Grossi (Glenn Hughes, Supersonic Blues Machine, Eric Gales, etc.). Rounding out the lineup are Serge Simic on guitar (The Slam, Supersonic Blues Machine) and Tony Morra on drums.


The band have released a new music video for the song "Rescue Me", featured on their self-titled debut album, released last December. Watch below.


The band spent a wealth of time during the pandemic in 2020 working on and developing their sound. Their target was to write music leaning towards a classic hard rock sound with unforgettable melodies and a solid bluesy background to compliment Ilous' stellar vocals.




Musically, Land Of Gypsies music leans toward a classic hard rock sound with unforgettable melodies and a solid bluesy background. Think Bad Company meets early Foreigner, but with more current production.





Tracklisting:


"Believe"
"Shattered"
"Trouble"
"Give Me Love"
"Somewhere Down The Line"
"Rescue Me"
"Ordinary Man"
"Run Away"
"Long Summer Day"
"Rambling Man"
"Get It Right"


"Rescue Me" video:





"Believe":





"Shattered" video:





Lineup:


Terry Ilous - Lead & backing vocals
Serge Simic - Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Fabrizio “Fab” Grossi – Bass
AJ Morra - Drums & Percussions
Eric Ragno - Hammond, Wurly & Rhodes
Jeff Northrup - Additional guitars on “Somewhere Down The Line”

Don your bandanas, leather jackets and distressed jeans, because heavy metal is about to shine brighter than ever as Swedish newcomers Bomber bring back the hottest era in hard rock history. Asserting their own trademark blend of 70s and 80s inspired classic and hard rock with catchy hooks, top-notch guitar solos and a vibrant aesthetic, Bomber brings you their debut album, Nocturnal Creatures, via Napalm Records to be released on March 25.


With their new single “Zarathustra”, the Swedes take you on a passionate ride through old school rock music. With fiery vocals, melodic guitars and untamable drum-play, the track gets the listener’s pulse pumping. For fans of Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and Thin Lizzy, Bomber are sure to leave their mark on the modern hard rock scene.


Bomber on “Zarathustra”: “'Zarathustra' serves as a mission statement for the band…'Here we are, get out of our way'... We wanted to write a great album opener and we really think we found it all in 'Zarathustra'. It’s a track filled with loud guitars, big drums and a mighty anthemic chorus. The song is all about rising to the occasion and elevating yourself to something larger than life. Being written as the opening track for the album Nocturnal Creatures, 'Zarathustra' is the start of our journey into the night, to a place where you will find something beautiful, dark, and heavy - where everything is being driven by a strong beat and filled with great hooks, sure to get you moving through the night Nocturnal.”




Watch the music video for “Zarathustra” below.


Nocturnal Creatures marks the great comeback of hard rock’s golden age.


After explosive live shows in Sweden and a subsequent tour of Germany, Sweden’s hard rock upstarts Bomber prove that the glorious era of rock isn’t over and that they’re already setting the highest standards on Nocturnal Creatures. On ten powerful tracks, the four piece turns the night into an intoxicating adventure that convinces both old and new fans of the prominent classic and hard rock genre. Album opener and title track “Nocturnal Creatures” opens the gates with epic storytelling and interludes the following passionate ride through “Zarathustra”, while “Fever Eyes” ensnares with wistful weeping choirs and guarantees a quickly increasing temperature. “Black Pants Magic” emerges into an unforgettable high-class rock experience through its industrious and catchy hook, while songs like “A Walk Of Titans (Hearts Will Break)” and “You’ve Got Demons” surprise with dynamic melodies and Anton Sköld’s powerful voice. On “The Tiger”, Bomber send their listeners right into the eye of a raging thunderstorm of riffs driven by brilliant grooves, while “Kassiopeia” sets the strings on fire with its marvelous solos. Bursting album closer “Aurora” presents Nocturnal Creatures’ crowning achievement, bringing the 40-minute escapade to the edge of the world.


With their new studio album, Nocturnal Creatures, the rising stars of Sweden establish a milestone in the legacy of hard rock that leads the once so majestic genre to new glory - marked by their very own special vision.


Bomber on Nocturnal Creatures: “This is an album filled with big drums, loud guitars and great vocal performances. But there are certainly many layers and emotional depth to this album as well. We all went through some difficult times during the writing process. We strongly believe that having put our heart and souls into the songs makes them more relatable to a wider audience, so we did just that. The conceptual theme of the album is the night, and all that belongs to it. Night-time is when set our imaginations free, and we can truly release whatever is living deep inside of us. Sometimes the night can summon fears, but it can also be a comforting place. We used these concepts as songwriters to bring you stories of what can happen under the cover of darkness. From tales of spirits and ghosts to the stars above - to stories of love and heartbreak. Going through life has many challenges, it can mean going through a lot of hardships and sacrifice – but it’s also about finding our joy, meanings, and the good in all of us. That´s what this album is about. Welcome to the night… We're all nocturnal creatures.”





Nocturnal Creatures will be available in the following formats:


- Jewel Case CD Edition
- 1LP Gatefold BLACK
- 1LP Gatefold MARBLED Crystal clear  & sky blue  - limited to 300 copies worldwide
- Shirt & JC Bundle
- Digital Full Length Album


Pre-order here.





Nocturnal Creatures tracklisting:


"Nocturnal Creatures"
"Zarathustra"
"Fever Eyes"
"A Walk Of Titans (Hearts Will Break)"
"Black Pants Magic"
"The Tiger"
"You've Got Demons"
"Hungry For Your Heart"
"Kassiopeia"
"Aurora"


"Zarathustra" video:





Bomber is:


Love Andersson: Bass   
Anton Sköld: Vocals & Guitars
Rasmus Grahn: Drums & Backup Vocals
Max Huddén: Guitars & Backup Vocals  


(Photo - Mikey Lennartsson)

Metal vets, Trauma, will be launching their first-ever European tour in May, when they join a bill also featuring Ross The Boss.  Additionally, the band has completed work on their next album, Awakening, which will be released at some point this year. It marks the first Trauma album to feature new singer, Brian Allen, who replaced the group’s original vocalist, Donny Hillier (who passed away in 2020).


“Trauma is delighted to be going on tour in Europe with Ross The Boss,” says drummer Kris Gustofson. “As this is Trauma's first time touring in Europe, we cannot wait to play for the fans! It has been way too long. Fans can expect to hear and see Trauma performing some old tracks – 'Scratch And Scream,’ ‘From Here To Hell,’ and some tracks from the new album with new vocalist Brian Allen. High energy, Bombastic songs and a true heavy metal experience is what fans will receive.”


Trauma will also be appearing as part of the multi-act Alcatraz Hard Rock & Metal Festival in Belgium (which will also feature the likes of Testament, Hatebreed, Accept, etc.), which runs from August 12 - 14.




For more information/to order ticktets, visit alcatraz.be/en/index.





Tour dates:


May (with Ross The Boss)
12 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust   
13 - Oldenburg, Germany - Amadeus   
14 - Tilburg, Netherlands - Little Devil   
15 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Baroeg   
17 - Osnabrück, Germany - Bastard Club  
18 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix   
19 - Würzburg, Germany - Posthalle   
20 - Siegburg, Germany - Kubana   
21 - Weinheim, Germany - Cafe Central   
22 - München, Germany - Strom  
24 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
25 - Bergamo, Italy -Druso   
26 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse Bar  
27 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser   


Festival appearance:


August
12-14 - Alcatraz Hard Rock & Metal Festival - Belgium


And concerning Trauma’s new album, it is being heralded as their finest work to date (produced by Juan Urteaga, who has previous worked with Testament and Machine Head), including such songs as "Death Of The Angels", "Meat", "Death Machine" and "Walk Away", among others.


Originally formed in 1981 in San Francisco, Trauma was part of the same scene that gave the world such thrash notables as Exodus, Metallica, and Testament. And the band’s original bassist was none other than the late/legendary Cliff Burton (who would later join Metallica). 1984 saw the release of the group’s debut album, Scratch And Scream, before the band parted in 1985. But in 2013, Trauma reunited, and have been back in business ever since.


And according to the band, fans will not be disappointed with what they will hear from their new music. “Trauma's new album along with new vocalist Brian Allen is going to melt your face off!!”


(Photo - Bill Towner, Red Nova Digital)

In a recent interview with Spain's Mariskal Rock, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford spoke about his struggles with depression and substance abuse, and how his own suicide attempt in 1986 led him to the rehab program that saved his life.

"You just feel… It's negative thinking," Rob said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "It's like a cycle of negativity. You don't feel or see a way out. It's just like this circle of — like a black hole; you cannot find a way to escape it. Even though you think about the place that you're at — you're in a successful band, you're financially stable, your friends and your family are good, everything is great, but you yourself are in this really dark place in your mind.

"For me, of course, I talk about my sexual identity," Halford continued, referencing the fact that he opened up about his struggles in his recently released autobiography, "Confess". "For the longest time, that played a role in my addictions, but I don't think that was the complete story.

"I just think I was just confused about a lot of things — about not exactly why are we here, what are we doing, what's the purpose, but all of these little incremental thoughts start to play in your mind and they amplify and they amplify and they amplify and you can't break through — you can't break through with rational, logical thinking.

"It's a very important topic in life to pursue and to try and find answers to," Halford added. "And you can never really one hundred percent shake it off. I still go through moments of depression — not as bad as it was, but I do. But I know… I go, 'Okay…' This, to me, to some extent, is a chemical imbalance. It just happens. And I know it's not gonna last. That's the good thing. I go, 'Okay, I'm feeling like shit. I don't know what's going on, but this is gonna pass.' And it passes. Again, it's part of understanding why you're feeling in that place. Some of it you bring into your body; some of it is just part of your brain chemical function. And again, there are outlets, there are wonderful people ready to be there with you and get you through those moments."

"Confess" arrived in September 2020 via Hachette Books. Co-written with Ian Gittins, the book offers readers a compelling, heartfelt and honest look at the struggles Rob has faced with addiction and his sexuality as well as exploring his music and his many brushes with controversy.

In "Confess", Halford discusses in detail what it was like becoming the first metal icon to announce he is gay in 1998 during an MTV interview, despite knowing about his sexuality since he was 10. Although his bandmates and their management knew he was gay and were accepting, he was advised to be discreet given the macho hetero nature of the metal world. He also opens up about surviving sexual abuse, as well as his struggles with the suicide of one of his former partners.

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

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

Swedish prog-rock legends, The Flower Kings, return with the latest full-length offering in their 25-year history, By Royal Decree, out on March 4 via InsideOut Music. Order the album here, and watch a video for the song, "A Million Stars", below.


Roine comments: “Never to shy away from simple melody, this is The Flower Kings at their more accessible end, but still with a trademark TFK sound and symphonic textures.”







The group’s third studio record since introducing drummer Mirko DeMaio and keyboardist Zach Kamins into the lineup is a vintage affair in many respects. With virtually no touring to endeavour upon for the last two years, the band was free to focus on recording new material, as well as reviewing things left on the cutting room floor from previous sessions.


Lead singer and guitarist Roine Stolt elaborates on going into the way back machine for the new record, saying, “It was great to dig into that old treasure island of 'forgotten TFK music before TFK ever existed’ and re-connecting made me realize why and what The Flower Kings are. This album is a journey through my history as a writer and my ‘middle age’ saga reflecting on that.”


Another significant change is that founding member Michael Stolt returns after more than two decades to contribute bass and vocals, splitting duties with current bassist Jonas Reingold.


Available on Limited 2CD Digipal, Limited 180g 3LP+2CD Box-set & as Digital Album.





Tracklisting:


Disc 1
"The Great Pretender"
"World Gone Crazy"
"Blinded"
"A Million Stars"
"The Soldier"
"The Darkness In You"
"We Can Make It Work"
"Peacock On Parade"
"Revolution"


Disc 2
"Time The Great Healer"
"Letter"
"Evolution"
"Silent Ways"
"Moth"
"The Big Funk"
"Open Your Heart"
"Shrine"
"Funeral Pyres"


"The Great Pretender":





(Photo - Lillian Forsberg)

Following on from "Yes - A Visual Biography I", Wymer Publishing will release a follow-up book, "Yes - A Visual Biography II: 1982 – 2022", on May 6.

"Yes - A Visual Biography II: 1982 – 2022" documents the progressive rock pioneers' career from the Eighties to the present day. Author Martin Popoff takes you on a journey built around his interviews with Anderson, Bruford, Howe, Squire, Wakeman, Downes, White and many others, the tale unfolds via an exhaustive chronology designed to satisfy the most knowledgeable of YES fans. Not content with charting the band's history, Popoff covers the major projects outside of the YES umbrella, such as ASIA, GTR and Rick Wakeman's extravaganzas, to paint the whole picture.

If you've been moved by albums such as "Fly From Here" and "Heaven And Earth", you'll love this book, which perfectly captures the spirit of progressive rock's first and biggest and best act of crack musicians bent on bending your perceptions of what rock can be.

Throughout the book, Popoff draws on his own interviews conducted with various band members throughout the last two decades, leaving much of the story to be told in their own words, along with a smattering of album reviews by the author and others.

This large-format coffee-table book is fully illustrated throughout, documenting the story visually from 1982. As well as an abundance of concert images, the stunning photographic content is topped off with many offstage shots.

"Yes - A Visual Biography II: 1982 – 2022" will augment any YES fan’s collection.

Pre-order now and get your name in the book on a dedicated fan page.

Fan-filmed video footage of Nita Strauss's January 15 performance at the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania can be seen below.

The fall 2021 leg of Nita's "Winter Wasteland" tour kicked off on November 10 in New Orleans, Louisiana and concluded on December 18 in Angola, Indiana.

Earlier this month, Nita spoke to Terrie Carr of the Morristown, New Jersey radio station 105.5 WDHA about the progress of the writing and recording sessions for her follow-up to 2018's "Controlled Chaos" solo debut. She said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The album is almost finished being recorded. We are just waiting on a couple of singers. Guitars are done, drums, bass — everything is finished.

"This is my first time collaborating with vocalists on anything, so it's a bit of a waiting game — it's testing my patience a little bit — but it's all worth it in the end," she continued.

"We're gonna do half and half — so six instrumental tracks and six tracks with guest vocalists."

In a separate interview with "The Mistress Carrie Podcast", Nita stated about her decision to make the upcoming LP "half vocal songs and half instrumental: "I did feel, and the label and everybody agreed, it's still important for me to keep my identity as a guitar player and not just branch off too much and go, 'Okay, well, now it's just guests.' Let me still have a little of what makes me me, which is the instrumental shred stuff. And the instrumental pieces that I've written on this record are, I think, better than anything I did on the first one — definitely more… I don't know if it could be more emotional but they're very emotional pieces of music and I think a little better crafted this time around. So I think all the songs in general are more well thought out, better put together this time around. And I do have some of my absolute favorite [singers guesting on it]. I have three amazing powerhouse female vocalists on this album so far. And there are still a couple of things T.B.D. [to be determined]. And then we should be ready to release next spring."

In October, Nita shared "Dead Inside", her first new music since the release of her critically acclaimed debut solo album "Controlled Chaos" in 2018. The track is her first-ever solo collaboration with a vocalist, David Draiman, frontman of Grammy-nominated rock icons DISTURBED.

Strauss has been playing with Cooper since 2014 when she replaced Australian musician and former Michael Jackson player Orianthi. She joined Alice in time for a mammoth MÖTLEY CRÜE tour. She was recommended to Cooper by the legendary rocker's former bass player and WINGER frontman Kip Winger.

Nita released "Controlled Chaos" to mass acclaim from fans and media alike, with Metal Injection calling it "a great debut that — as its creator intended — leaves no doubt", and Guitar World stating "'Controlled Chaos' is a panoramic view of Nita Strauss's many strengths". To date the album has clocked up 6.7 million streams worldwide, with music videos for singles "Our Most Desperate Hour", "Pandemonium", "Alegria" and "Mariana Trench" generating over 3 million YouTube views.

As well as performing with Cooper, Nita has also played with R&B star Jermaine Jackson, early MTV darlings FEMME FATALE, video game supergroup CRITICAL HIT and popular tribute band THE IRON MAIDENS.

In April 2020, Nita launched "Rock Guitar Fundamentals" — a three-module online guitar teaching program suitable for learners of all levels. The course is available at www.iwanttoplayguitar.com.

Nita's live show is mostly instrumental in nature, combining originals with covers.