With "A Sonication", Germany-based metal band OBSCURA launches the second of its trilogy concept, set to be released on February 7, 2025 via Nuclear Blast.

The group's second (seventh overall) album for Nuclear Blast pivots on many fronts. Advanced, elegant, and yet refreshing, "A Sonication" sums up past endeavors effortlessly as it gazes with purpose and conviction into the future. OBSCURA are fan-renowned and critically acclaimed for challenging and then expanding upon norms. From "Retribution" (2004) through "A Valediction" (2021),the band flourished and made significant progress in a musical genre unprepared for a creative shot of German invention. "A Sonication" spearheads OBSCURA into a new era of extreme metal.

Check out the video for the first single "Silver Linings" below. The opening track of the album is a powerful and melodic song, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of OBSCURA's ever-evolving musical journey.

OBSCURA mastermind Steffen Kummerer comments: "With 'Silver Linings' we present you the first track of our brand new album 'A Sonication', which sees the light of day in early 2025. Supporting the new record, OBSCURA will embark on the first leg of a world tour in February next year. Lend your ear to the music, and see you at a venue near you!"

"A Sonication" track listing:

01. Silver Linings
02. Evenfall
03. In Solitude
04. The Prolonging
05. Beyond The Seventh Sun
06. Stardust
07. The Sun Eater
08. A Sonication

A European tour is set to kick off in February 2025. Joining OBSCURA on tour will be American progressive deathcore outfit RINGS OF SATURN and GOROD, the technical death metal force from France. With this international lineup, fans can expect a night of diverse and electrifying performances.

Austin, Texas band, Scorpion Child, plays dark rock and roll that blends haunting themes and atmospheric melodies; a unique fusion of post-punk, hard rock, and brooding aesthetic. The band has returned in 2024, galvanized with a fortified lineup and renewed dedication. Scorpion Child will release its new album, I Saw The End As It Passed Right Through Me, on February 14, 2025 via Noize In The Attic Records. The LP is the long-awaited follow-up to the band's 2016 full-length, Acid Roulette (Nuclear Blast Records). Pre-order / save Scorpion Child's I Saw The End As It Passed Right Through Me now at this location.


The first taste of what I Saw The End As It Passed Right Through Me delivers lies in wait with the new single, "Outliers", a powerful punch of a song, filled with introspective lyrics, that perfectly encapsulates the band's distinct style. "Outliers" was recorded at Austin's Point West Recording with Charles Godfrey (Black Angels, The Mountain Goats). The video for Scorpion Child's "Outliers" can be seen below.


"'Outliers' deep dives into the organizational use of fear tactics and the related, unknown forces that we are supposed to run from, or conform to," offers Scorpion Child vocalist Aryn Jonathan Black. "The song is a look into the thought that 'they' are always watching us and that we should play the same game from our POV in the shadows."







"I Saw The End As It Passed Right Through Me is a quite intense and rather moody record," Black continues. "I wrote these songs from the pits of a deep depression after going through a really rough patch in life where my mental health was very poor. Don't think of it as all gloomy, though, because in our sadness there are always euphoric times of extreme happiness and nirvana. It's truly an honest record, and we are excited to perform it live." 





Tracklisting:


"Be Th

BMG will release the second album by IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith and THE WINERY DOGS frontman and acclaimed solo artist Richie Kotzen, "Black Light / White Noise", on March 7, 2025. The news comes alongside the release of the album's first single, "White Noise".

Recorded at The House, Los Angeles, California, produced by Richie and Adrian and mixed by Jay Ruston, the ten-track album is a masterclass in modern rock, with Adrian and Richie's prodigious talents as songwriters, musicians and vocalists on full display.

Lead single "White Noise" perfectly illustrates the quality and strength of the album, boasting a gloriously heavy riff, soaring vocals, driving rhythms and a hook-filled chorus.

Smith comments: "The song is about the rise of social media, how people get addicted to it, the power of it and how we get bombarded with it 24/7."

"It was actually a riff Adrian brought in," adds Kotzen. "I then immediately started improvising the melody and the lyric that became the chorus. It had another working title, completely different to what it ended up being and we kind of came up on the spot with that call and answer in the chorus that turned into 'White Noise'."

The accompanying video sees the two guitar heroes delivering a performance as cool as it is effortless and showcases the great partnership they have formed. And that partnership has flourished and grown beautifully since their debut self-titled album in March 2021. Released to widespread critical acclaim, it was a melting pot of hard rock and traditional R&B that was a powerful calling card for what these two icons can do. On its follow-up, "Black Light / White Noise", the duo have risen to even greater heights, producing a truly magnificent collection of songs that stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest work either of them have ever produced.

From the opening heavy blast of "Muddy Water" through to the epic and stately closer "Beyond The Pale", these ten songs illustrate the myriad talents at Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen's disposal and reveal that this is both an album and a partnership that will endure for years to come.

Atmospheric, ambitious, diverse and brilliant, "Black Light / White Noise" not only features stratospheric guitar solos and raw, bluesy vocals but soulful touches, intricate playing, beautiful songwriting and an assured poise and style that brings to mind a host of legendary musicians (THIN LIZZY, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, CREAM, FREE, DEEP PURPLE) but is undeniably the work of Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen in perfect harmony.

Kotzen comments: "We're so proud of this new album. It follows on from our debut and the EPs by focusing on collaborating on riffs, lyrics, harmonies and vocals. There's a SMITH/KOTZEN DNA now and it's definitely something we need to get out on the road with. I was pleased to work with my friend Jay Ruston on the mixing of the album, let alone my wife Julia (Lage) — who actually plays on 'White Noise' as well as four other tracks."

"We're like an extended family now," adds Smith. "We have a sound and a vibe and I don't think many artists are doing what we do — sharing the vocals and the guitars. It takes me back to those classic bands like HUMBLE PIE and CREAM — which is not a bad place to start!"

The full track-listing of "Black Light / White Noise" is:

01. Muddy Water
02. White Noise
03. Black Light
04. Darkside
05. Life Unchained
06. Blindsided
07. Wraith
08. Heavy Weather
09. Outlaw
10. Beyond The Pale

This past July, Smith joined Kotzen on stage at the Islington Assembly Hall in London, England to perform THE YARDBIRDS classic "Shapes Of Things".

SMITH/KOTZEN released the "Better Days …And Nights" EP in September 2022 via BMG. The effort comprised five previously unreleased live tracks, plus for the first time ever on CD, the four studio tracks featured on their sold-out, limited-edition 12-inch vinyl EP, "Better Days", released in conjunction with Record Store Day in November 2021.

The live songs were recorded during SMITH/KOTZEN's inaugural whistle-stop tour of the U.S. and U.K. at the start of 2022, which attracted unanimously rave reviews from fans and media alike, celebrating the duo's debut on stage together with stellar back-up from Richie's wife, internationally acclaimed bass player Julia Lage (VIXEN),and drummer Bruno Valverde of ANGRA.

Japan's metal bible Burrn! magazine reviewing the Whisky A Go Go show in Los Angeles pronounced it, "An amazing night….this rock n' roll band is very different from any other…totally unique …and bringing you great songs!". U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine said the show was a, "masterclass in guitar playing and performance".

The original EP tracks were produced by Kotzen and Smith and mixed by Kevin Shirley. The live tracks were produced and mixed by Kotzen and Smith.

SMITH/KOTZEN's eponymous debut album was released globally through BMG in March 2021 to media and fan acclaim, charting No. 10 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart in the U.S., Top 20 in the U.K. as well as in other major markets such as Germany, Japan and Canada.

Smith is best known as one of IRON MAIDEN's principal guitarists, having also enjoyed success as a solo artist. Kotzen is the frontman for THE WINERY DOGS as well as having been the guitarist for both MR. BIG and POISON during his long and acclaimed career, which has to date seen him release more than 20 solo albums. Both artists are also prolific songwriters.

Photo credit: John McMurtrie

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE has released a new single, "Forever Aligned". The track is taken from the band upcoming album, "This Consequence", due on February 21, 2025 via Metal Blade.

"This Consequence" is KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's ninth album overall, and sixth with original vocalist Jesse Leach, who rejoined the band in 2012.

"'Forever Aligned' is one of those songs that is not just about us as humans, our love, and connection, but that connection to the unknown, the greater power, the universe, or God," explains Leach. "It feels like a really good first song to release not just sonically, but lyrically, as it is all about connection. The device of the world we live in could use a lot more connectivity."

Regarding the album, Leach continues: "'This Consequence', to me, is the combination of everything the past five years has thrown at us as a band, as humans, and society as a whole. This album is just as much about everybody and their stories as it is for me about my journey personally. Sonically, I love the combination of everybody's ideas and contributions on this album. It feels more like a collaboration than the past few records have been. When all is said and done, I wouldn't change anything about this album."

He finishes: "I think it's the exact record we needed to make. I'm honored and proud of what we all were able to create and refine through this music and message."

"This Consequence" track listing:

01. Abandon Us
02. Discordant Nation
03. Aftermath
04. Forever Aligned
05. I Believe
06. Where It Dies
07. Collusion
08. The Fall Of Us
09. Broken Glass
10. Requiem

In March 2024, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Joel Stroetzel told Mathias Henrixon of A Swedish Fika With… about the progress of the recording sessions for the band's follow-up to 2019's "Atonement" album: "We just finished all the final bits of tracking over the last couple of weeks. So the guitars are done, all the vocals are now done. Everything's there. So Adam's [Dutkiewicz, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist and producer] just kind of piecing things together. So, if there needs to be any edits, he's gonna do those. And then we'll just figure out if he wants to mix it or if we wanna send it off to some fresh ears. We haven't decided. But everything sounds good so far, I think — at least we think. We hope."

Joel went on to say that he and his KILLSWITCH ENGAGE bandmates recorded "too many" songs for the new LP. "[It's a] good problem to have," he added. "That'll be the tricky part, is once they're all mixed, we'll have to decide what's gonna be on the record and what we can maybe save or B-sides or special things. We'll figure that out. At least it's done being recorded. That's the big thing for us."

Asked about Leach's recent comment that the band's upcoming LP has been the most difficult KILLSWITCH album for the singer to make, Joel said: "Yeah. He came back and retracked a lot of stuff because he had… Over the past few years, he's kind of trained his voice to do the fry technique live, which, it's been great. It's been kind of a godsend for him live, because he never blows his voice out anymore. But I think him and Adam were finding when he was tracking, using that technique, he wasn't getting all the different growls and things he used to get. So, he decided to go back and kind of revisit things, maybe swallow some glass and go for it. [Laughs] He's been doing great."

Stroetzel continued: "So we're all really excited about it. They went back and kind of retracked a few things here and there, just to beef it up. And things are sounding really good — at least we hope so. Hopefully people like it when it comes out… I think it's good. I think it could potentially be a strong record. At least we hope. Yeah. All we can do is do the best we can and hope that other people like it. Step one, I guess — make sure we like it [laughs] and hope that other people like it. We'll see what happens."

Regarding the musical direction of the new KILLSWITCH material, Joel said: "It definitely sounds like a KILLSWITCH record. I think a lot of the songs are on the heavier side. A lot of fast songs. There's still all the melody and stuff that we normally do, but there's a lot of aggressive stuff on this one."

In February, Leach wrote in an online post about KILLSWITCH's upcoming LP: "This album has been a great challenge for me. Now that it's almost complete I can say I wouldn't change a thing! All the trials, difficulties and deep anxieties were all worth what this record is shaping up to be.

"I don't ever half ass anything in my creative life. I can say this with the utmost confidence, I gave this my everything and it will show.

"I've said it before and I'll say it until the day I die, Adam D is my musical soulmate and a FORCE in my life as an artist, writer and musician," he continued. "His role in my growth as a writer can't be overstated. The man just knows how to get that performance out of me. I just don't think I'll ever have the synergy with anyone else in my life as a musician.

"Also the lessons, insights and support of [renowned vocal coach Melissa Cross] saved me and continue to guide me. I've learned new techniques (fry) that I use here and there but more importantly I've been able to really rediscovered my original style (false chord) on a whole other level because of her. The blend and the knowledge of the over all inner workings of the voice have empowered me to do things I didn't think I could still do. I've also really learned to sing with more ease and confidence and it's been super liberating to me. Pure POWER, grit, intensity and smooth big Melodie's are the result of all of it. I pulled out all of my arsenal of vocal weapons and left it all on this recording. Even if people don't like or naysay what we've done I could die happy knowing I gave this shit my ALL.

"I feel a true sense of satisfaction," Jesse added. "I stood my ground when I needed to and I acquiesced and changed when it was needed. The end result is the culmination of 2 years of hardcore work."

In January 2024, Leach wrote in an Instagram post that the upcoming KILLSWITCH ENGAGE record had "taken its toll" on him. "It is by far the most difficult album I've ever worked on for various reasons," he said. "That being said as I see the distant light at the end of this long tunnel. I can truly say it has all been a much needed growing experience. When I say that I mean it personally, lyrically and vocally. I've been able to take any criticism from my dudes and separate it from my being to push through and rise to the occasion.

"This has been a work in progress as everything I write is always deeply personal and for the most part difficult to write," he continued. "It's always hard to let go of my work. I'm very pleased I've learned to separate my emotions from the work. It's been liberating! I've also been able to stretch the limits of my voice mixing techniques and hues of sound (still working on this as a full time student of the voice via @zenofscreaming).

"Lastly, lyrically I've crafted some songs to feel more like a story, which I believe makes the material more interesting," he added. "Adam has helped a great deal as usual being a great producer and a good friend throughout. Talking me off the cliff and making me laugh when need be. It can't be overstated how crucial he is (even when I can get thrown sideways at times). He always sees the bigger picture and pushes me to my limit for better or worse. The outcome however is always far better than I imagined."

"Atonement" was released in August 2019 via Metal Blade Records in the U.S. and Sony Music Entertainment in the rest of the world. The disc featured guest appearances by former KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Howard Jones and TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy. It marked the band's third full-length release since the return of Leach, who rejoined the group in 2012.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE will embark on a headline tour in March 2025. It's their first tour of North America since late 2022. The trek will feature support from KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING and FROZEN SOUL, and will kick off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA will release its new album, "The Father Of Make Believe", on March 14, 2025 via Virgin Music Group. The new full-length marks the tenth studio album from the New York band and continues the narrative of "The Amory Wars" / "Vaxis" universe, following their 2022 album "Vaxis Act II: A Window Of The Waking Mind", which garnered critical success and the band's first Top 10 radio single of their career with "Shoulders". Alongside the album's announcement, COHEED AND CAMBRIA shares the new single "Searching For Tomorrow", which arrives alongside an Anthony Scheppard-directed and animated video. "The Father Of Make Believe" will also include the recently released single "Blind Side Sonny", arguably COHEED AND CAMBRIA's most aggressive track to date that was complemented by a Max Moore-directed video that unveiled a new villain in "The Amory Wars" realm.

Speaking about "Searching For Tomorrow" and "The Father Of Make Believe", COHEED AND CAMBRIA bandleader, vocalist and lead guitarist Caludio Sanchez shares: "This song is a reminder that always looking for something better in your life robs you of being able to appreciate the good things you already have.

"With every album I try to 'outdo' the one before, or at least make something that sounds different and evolved in some way. I think that initial struggle added to the feeling of having a kind of musical midlife crisis…this constant internal battle of searching for creative release and growth…the being unsure if it's the right path. This one took more effort in the beginning, but in the end I think the digging was worth it for the subsequent surge."

Additionally, the "Vaxis Act III: The Father Of Make Believe" limited-edition box set is available for pre-order today and features the CD and digital download along with various exclusives, including Blind Side Sonny's fully wearable and functional helmet and neuro-dynamic display goggles, "Vaxis Act III: The Father Of Make Believe" hardcover illustrated novella coffee table book, neuro-dynamic display goggles app for display customization, 11.5" x 35" "Vaxis III: The Father Of Make Believe" bedroom poster and a signed Death Certificate of Siv Trafinder.

One way to look at "The Father Of Make Believe" is COHEED AND CAMBRIA establishing a desire to move forward while honoring a remarkable history. Another: a series of questions, emotions, and thoughts at war with each other — "a war within myself," as Sanchez puts it. "The Father Of Make Believe" fits into the band's sonic oeuvre with wailing guitars, drums that crack like fireworks, and Sanchez's aching, powerful voice centering us through moments both placid and pinwheeling. Where the set forges new ground is in how Sanchez embraces the role of main character. He's often used epic songcraft to mask the stories he wanted to tell: reflections on an addicted father, memories of his beloved grandfather, fears about raising a child in a cruel world, anxieties around losing the love of his life. This time around, he's writing more directly about his life and, especially, his career. Sanchez is the Father of Make Believe, gazing down upon this world he's wrought.

Next year, COHEED AND CAMBRIA will join TOOL, PRIMUS, MASTODON, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL and more for the Tool In The Sand festival in the Dominican Republic in March ahead of 2000 Trees with KNEECAP, TAKING BACK SUNDAY, ALEXISONFIRE and more in the United Kingdom in July. Next November, COHEED will embark on their S.S. Neverender 2025 cruise with THURSDAY, L.S. DUNES, THE DEAR HUNTER, HAIL THE SUN, MEET ME AT THE ALTAR and more. Earlier this year, COHEED AND CAMBRIA traversed North America with INCUBUS, which saw the band play legendary venues across the country, including sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City and Allstate Arena in Chicago as well as a co-headline tour with legendary funk-prog masters PRIMUS. Also, COHEED AND CAMBRIA headlined the Saturday night at Furnace Fest in Alabama and performed both dates of When We Were Young festival in Las Vegas before their trek to Australia where they headlined the multi-city Monolith festival.

For the last 20 years, COHEED AND CAMBRIA have continuously broken the mold of what a rock band can be, forging their own path and building a universe around their music unlike any other. Whether it is in the way their genre-spanning approach to songwriting has allowed them to bridge worlds without being contained to one, or the multifaceted story arc of their albums and comic book series which mark the longest-running concept story in music, COHEED AND CAMBRIA have consistently shaped new standards, never conformed. Comprised of Claudio Sanchez (vocals / guitar),Travis Stever (guitar),Josh Eppard (drums) and Zach Cooper (bass) the band has gripped listeners and press around the globe with their visionary compositions and conceptual mastery.

"The Father Of Make Believe" track listing:

01. Yesterday Lost
02. Goodbye, Sunshine
03. Searching For Tomorrow
04. The Father of Make Believe
05. Meri of Mercy
06. Blind Side Sonny
07. Play The Poet
08. One Last Miracle
09. Corner My Confidence
10. Someone Who Can
11. The Continuum I: Welcome to Forever, Mr. Nobody
12. The Continuum II: The Flood
13. The Continuum III: Tethered Together
14. The Continuum IV: So It Goes

Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

In a new interview with Zach Sang Show, LINKIN PARK's co-lead vocalist and main producer Mike Shinoda spoke about the absence of guitarist Brad Delson from the band's reunion tour as well as the addition of drummer/co-producer Colin Brittain.

LINKIN PARK announced its new lineup during a September 2024 one-hour global livestream of a concert in Los Angeles showcasing new singer Emily Armstrong and Brittain, who have joined returning members Shinoda, Delson, bassist Dave "Phoenix" Farrell and DJ/visual director Joe Hahn. Guitarist Alex Feder was filling in for Delson for the night and for all the shows LINKIN PARK has played since then.

Shinoda said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Colin Brittain, he was part of the process [for the new LINKIN PARK album 'From Zero'] just as a writer and a co-producer. I just love working with Colin. I met him in sessions and then was bringing him in to help with writing and production. And then eventually we were, like, 'Hey, dude, it turns out we need somebody to play drums.' I know that's his primary instrument. So I was, like, 'Is that something you would wanna do? It would mean stepping away from your production career.'"

Shinoda continued: "In case anybody doesn't understand the dynamic, our guitarist Brad is our guitarist — he's in the band — but he's realized that in terms of his… It's kind of a mental health thing. He doesn't love the touring and the live show lifestyle, and so he is our guitarist, but he's not playing live. So he's chosen, he found a guy named Alex who's spectacular, a really good guitarist and they get along great, and Brad chose Alex to play his parts live. But at the time, we hadn't met Alex, and so we asked Colin. I was, like, 'Brad needs somebody to play guitar, and we need a drummer. You do both equally well. What would you wanna do?' And he was just like a kid in a candy store. I think he said, 'I can't believe what you're asking me right now.' He was so excited."

In an interview with Billboard about LINKIN PARK's comeback, Shinoda explained that drummer Rob Bourdon — who had founded the band with Mike and Brad — had decided to exit LP.

"Rob had said to us at a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band," Shinoda said. "And we understood that — it was already apparent. He was starting to just show up less, be in less contact, and I know the fans noticed it too. The 'Hybrid Theory' re-release [in 2020] and 'Papercuts' release [this April], he didn't show up for anything. So for me, as a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do whatever makes him happy, and obviously everybody wishes him the best."

Shinoda previously revealed that Delson had doubts about reuniting with LINKIN PARK during the early stages of the band's comeback. On the band's official podcast, Mike recalled: "Brad was hesitant. He was a little resistant. And I think it was just all the baggage of everything was hard, and we knew that, and we kept saying to him, gently, 'The door is so super open to you. We would love to have you on board. We benefit from your point of view. And we have concerns. Our dynamic that we've been working with — with the three of us and Emily and Colin — is so good, and adding anybody at all might change that. So just come in and see it, and I think you'll like it.' And he did, and he gave it a chance. And one of the first things he was saying was, like, 'I think we could write something heavier, like way heavier.'"

This past Thursday (November 14),LINKIN PARK announced a massive world tour across North America, Europe, Asia and South America. The trek will launch in January with three dates in Mexico before heading to Japan and a one-off show in Jakarta, Indonesia. Next spring and summer, LINKIN PARK will hit a number of cities the United States and end in November with a run throughout South America.

"From Zero" marks LINKIN PARK's first full-length effort since 2017's "One More Light", which was the last LINKIN PARK album before the death of lead vocalist Chester Bennington.

Photo credit: James Minchin III

Multi-platinum rock band HINDER has shared its powerful and heavy new single "Everything Is A Cult", available to stream now on all DSPs worldwide. The track comes in the wake of the U.S. election at a time of unprecedented division and showcases HINDER's patented explosive songwriting and vocalist Marshal Dutton's dynamic range. It will undoubtedly have fans banging their heads and opening up the pit as the song crescendos into a massive bridge breakdown.

"While most people in America have much more in common than they might want to admit, we all have the tendency to fall into the willingness of being spoon-fed propaganda as long as it conveniently coincides with our own beliefs," says drummer Cody Hanson. "We all have the tendency to run to our political corners with complete disregard for the truth as long as it suits the narrative of our 'leaders.' No matter what side you're on, everything is a cult now."

Lately, HINDER are feeling the intensity of a new energy. Nearly two decades into their career, the band hasn't just endured as a fixture of modern rock — it's evolved. The versatile Oklahoma City-based quartet creates emotionally compelling rock, from hard-hitting anthems to subdued, contemplative ballads. Now the band is looking to the future.

HINDER's story begins in 2001, when Cody Hanson (drums),Joe "Blower" Garvey (lead guitar) and Mike Rodden (bass) met and activated their musical chemistry. The 2005 hit "Lips Of An Angel" from the band's debut album, "Extreme Behavior", since certified three times platinum, topped the charts and remains a radio mainstay. Powerful lead vocalist Marshal Dutton joined them in 2015. Throughout their discography, HINDER has embodied an ethos of defiance and tenacity through gutsy lyrics, rousing melodies, and soaring choruses. Each album in their musical journey has reflected a progression, from the grittier early days of "Take It To The Limit" to the more introspective and exploratory energy of their most recent album, 2017's "The Reign".

In 2013, original HINDER singer Austin Winkler parted ways with the band following a long battle with substance abuse.

HINDER started 2024 strong, with a series of sold-out shows and live performances with CREED, 3 DOORS DOWN and DAUGHTRY. The band's vigorous live shows and blend of catchy hooks with raw, emotive lyrics have earned them crossover appeal and a loyal global fanbase.

HINDER's most recent album, 2017's "The Reign", was the band's second with Dutton.

Photo credit: Dylan Johnson

In a new interview with Thomas Blug of BluGuitar, Irish guitarist Simon McBride, who joined DEEP PURPLE in September 2022 as the permanent replacement for Steve Morse, spoke about what it has been like for me him to step into the shoes previously filled by Ritchie Blackmore, Tommy Bolin, Joe Satriani and Steve Morse. Regarding his approach to playing DEEP PURPLE's classic songs, Simon said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I try to be very respectful to what's been done before, because, obviously, there's things I can change and there's things I can't change. That's probably why I sound a little bit like Steve or like Ritchie at times 'cause I'm playing their solos, and I'm trying to put a bit of my own influence into it as well. But it's the only way you can do it. I think if I tried to play like Ritchie or play like Steve, they'd sack me. 'Cause they said, 'We want you. We don't want any copies.'"

McBride also talked about his pre-DEEP PURPLE work with PURPLE keyboardist Don Airey on Don's solo tours as a member of THE DON AIREY BAND or DON AIREY & FRIENDS. He said: "Don's what we call rock royalty. He's been around for years and he's done everything. But yeah, in his band, we basically did lots of his stuff from RAINBOW, Ozzy [Osbourne], Gary Moore, the list goes on, WHITESNAKE and all that stuff. So it was a lot of fun. We actually only really played ever one DEEP PURPLE song in his set 'cause he has so many songs he could choose from. And he always wanted to play his own solo stuff as well, which I was part of. But yeah, it's been a fun last ten years for me."

Back in April 2023, McBride was asked by Colombia's El Expreso Del Rock how he landed the DEEP PURPLE gig. He responded: "I know Don Airey very well. I played with Don for [about] 10 years now. And I also know [PURPLE singer] Ian Gillan very well, and I played with him off and on. I also know Roger [Glover, PURPLE bassist] and I know Paicey [PURPLE drummer Ian Paice] as well. I've known them all, I've played with them all, but never at the same time. And I get on very well [with them]… I think I was kind of the natural fit for the band because… as I know Don and played with him and played with Gillan and I know the rest of the guys. We all get on very well. But, yeah, it was still… When I got a call to do it, it was just a bizarre feeling. I think I was jumping for joy."

Regarding how he feels being a member of such a legendary band, McBride said: "It's a great thing to be part of DEEP PURPLE. The name DEEP PURPLE is just iconic, and I'm very lucky that I can put my name through that, as being a part of it. But, yeah, the guys are great, and all the crew. It's like a big family on the road. And we all have a lot of fun and we all get on very well. Yeah, I'm very honored to be a part of the whole thing."

Simon previously recounted the initial call he received to fill in for Morse in an October 2022 interview with Andrew Daly of Vinyl Writer Music. At the time, he said: "Well, there was talk of me stepping in for Steve temporarily towards the end of 2021, but I never really thought much of it. I never thought much of it because it was always a case of, 'It may happen or it may not happen,' because it depended on Steve's wife's condition as to whether he would be able to tour. But it just got to the stage where Steve decided enough was enough, and he needed to look after his wife, which is an amazing thing he's doing. So, I knew it was possible, but I didn't know for sure; I only really found out recently that I was being confirmed as a permanent replacement."

McBride went on to say that the chemistry was "immediate" between him and the other members of DEEP PURPLE. "We had a few days of rehearsal in May [2022], and that's all we needed. And then we did a few shows in Israel, and places like that, which were my first shows, and all we had was those few days of rehearsal. I know Don very well, and I've played with Ian [Gillan] and Roger for a long time, so it clicked quickly. But yeah, it was a funny thing — we did the three or four days of rehearsals, but we really only needed one. After the first day, we all looked at each other and said, 'Well, we think it sounds pretty good. We don't really need two extra days.' We got to work straight away, and everybody was very happy. It helps that I'm a very easygoing person, and I get on well with everybody, I think. So, there was never an issue or a thought about if I would get on with them or not. And as I said, I've met them before, knew their personalities, and knew what to expect, so it's been a great atmosphere."

In August 2022, McBride told the "Scars And Guitars" podcast about his approach to playing DEEP PURPLE's classic songs: "At the end of the day, for me, with this gig, there's been lots of people saying, or asking me will I play like Ritchie or will I play like Steve or will I do this like Tommy or Satriani or whatever. So that thing initially kind of confused me a little bit; I didn't know what to do. It was only when I was talking to Don Airey about it, and he just said, 'Forget about it all. Just be you. Play your own thing.' That's it. Which I did. And I kind of started to relax a little bit and just be myself.

"When you start to think about who else has been in the band, you get a little bit confused what to play or when to play or what to do or 'should I play this like Ritchie?' or 'should I play it like Steve?'" he continued.

"Everybody has their own opinion on the guitar players in DEEP PURPLE and which ones worked better or whatnot. I [am] respectful to everybody who's played there, because they're all good players — every single one of 'em — so whether it's Ritchie or Tommy or Steve, I just kind of [am] respectful to what they've done in the past, and I just do my own thing most of the time.

"There's certain things you have to play. Like 'Highway Star', for example, I'm not gonna play anything different to what's there in the original, because why the hell would I? [Laughs] That's my attitude. If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

McBride, who had previously toured with both Gillan and Airey, among others, added: "I learned a lot from Don Airey over the years, playing with him, because when he plays some of the Jon Lord parts, he's, like, 'Well, have you heard the keyboard solo?' I was, like, 'Yeah.' And he said, 'Well, why in the hell would you change it?'

"Some people can be, like, 'Oh, I need to do my own thing.' And I go, 'Well, I'm sorry. But these guys spent a lot of time in the studio, or wherever it is, creating these pieces of music that fit the song. So why would I be so arrogant to say, 'I'm gonna change that just because I wanna play my own thing'? 'Cause I know, really, I wouldn't come up with anything better.

"It's case of just… I just go on and do my thing and I don't really think about it too much, what people say. People will either like me or hate me. I don't know."

As for the response he has gotten from the DEEP PURPLE fans, the Irish blues-rock guitarist said: "To be honest, everybody's been so nice and so cool and so kind, especially on the social media stuff where it's all been very positive. You get the odd negative one, but I don't read a lot of it anyway. But it's really cool that people accept me, because it is a legacy band and they've been around a long time. I really appreciate that people are digging what I do, and I feel it every night onstage. Some of the shows we've done, some of the audience reaction has been incredible.

"We played a show in Macedonia. We came off. We did an encore and stuff. And then 20 minutes later, the audience are still shouting," he recalled. "I'd never heard this my entire life — 15, 20 minutes of 10 thousand people shouting for more, just constantly, and they wouldn't leave. Even Don Airey and Roger Glover were standing there in shock, going, 'We haven't heard this in a long, long time.' I'm not saying that's all for me; I'm just saying that's just for the band.

"I'm very [happy] that people like what I'm doing because it is always hard stepping into a band where you've had [laughs] Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Morse, Joe Satriani and Tommy Bolin. They're not small names by any means, so it's always very… I think if you just play and have fun, that comes across and people respect that and people will really see.

"I'm [45], so I kind of grew up in that old-school playing method anyway. 'Cause I grew up in the '80s and '90s, so I guess I'm still part of that older generation, if you wanna call it. So the way that I play would still fit very well, whereas maybe some of the new, modern players wouldn't fit. I don't know.

"Yeah, the response has been brilliant. I can't complain at all. And I thank every single person that has said a nice thing about me."

In July 2022, Morse officially left PURPLE to care for his wife, Janine, who was battling cancer.

Morse's announcement came four months after the guitarist said that he would be taking a hiatus from the band, in the hope of rejoining his bandmates once his wife's health improved. He was then replaced on the road by McBride.

Morse effectively took over Ritchie Blackmore's DEEP PURPLE slot in 1994 and had since been in the group longer than Ritchie.

McBride, who is guitar player, singer, songwriter and a band leader all in one, hails from Belfast in Northern Ireland — a place that resonates of the best music traditions like Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher, as well as bands such as THIN LIZZY, STIFF LITTLE FINGERS and obviously U2. His biography tells many stories — from his band touring with no sound engineer, driver, or roadie, playing 30 shows in 35 days, to him regularly sharing stages with Gillan and Airey.

W.A.S.P.'s "Album One Alive" 2024 North American Tour landed at History in Toronto, ON (Canada) on November 11. The Rhythm Archive has uploaded 4K video of the full performance, which can be found below.


Setlist:


"I Wanna Be Somebody"
"L.O.V.E. Machine"
"The Flame"
"B.A.D."
"School Daze"
"Hellion"
"Sleeping (In The Fire)"
"On Your Knees"
"Tormentor"
"The Torture Never Stops"




Encore:


"Inside The Electric Circus" / "I Don't Need No Doctor" / "Scream Until You Like It"
"The Real Me" (The Who cover)
"Forever Free" / "The Headless Children"
"Wild Child"
"Blind In Texas"





Remaining dates on W.A.S.P.'s "Album ONE Alive" 2024 North American Tour, with special guests Armored Saint, are as listed below. Tickets and VIP packages available here.





November
19 - Cleveland, OH - The Agora Theater
20 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
21 - Stroudsburg, PA - The Sherman Theater
22 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore
23 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillm

In a new interview with Shawn Ratches of Laughingmonkeymusic, BUCKCHERRY guitarist Stevie Dacanay (a.k.a. Stevie D.) spoke about the band's upcoming eleventh album, which was recorded earlier this month at a Nashville studio with producer Marti Frederiksen. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're gonna do a 10-song album like we normally do. We got together with Marti Frederiksen at a couple points in this past year to songwrite and then we also demo at my studio in California. And we wrote — I don't know — maybe 20-plus songs. And we always whittle that down to 10 songs. So I would like to tell you the name of the album, but it's not named yet. But it is the eleventh album for BUCKCHERRY… And it will come out probably next year, spring sometime."

Regarding BUCKCHERRY's working relationship with Marti, Stevie said: "We've known him for a very long time. About 20 years ago, he co-wrote [the song] 'Sorry' and then produced the 'Black Butterfly' album after that. So we've known him since then, but we got together with him for [2021's] 'Hellbound' album. We reconnected and, in my opinion, we've done some stuff, sonically and musically, that's been really great. And I love the process. I love coming here [to his studio in Nashville] and working with him. It's such an inspiring kind of environment. And there's a lot of history here at the studio and the vibe here just is real conducive to creating. But yeah, working with Marti, and his son now is an integral part of this camp, a lot gets done pretty quickly. And, yeah, I can't say enough good stuff about this place."

Dacanay went on to speak in more detail about the BUCKCHERRY songwriting process, saying: "There's a considerable amount of preparation before we actually get in here to track the album. So we'll spend the year writing and demoing songs, and then we'll pick out the songs we wanna focus on. And then I'll make a demo of the 10 songs and give 'em to the rest of the guys — Kelly [LeMieux, bass], Francis [Ruiz, drums] and Billy [Rowe, guitar]. They'll learn the songs in kind of what they wanna do their parts. And then we'll all fly in… What happened this time is we all flew in pretty early in the morning and just started cranking it out. And these guys are — they're crackerjacks. So they can get in and do their respective parts in a day, 10 songs, and then their second day would be about just touch-ups or revisions or something like that. But each guy knocks his parts out in a couple days. So they were in and out of here in four or five days, I believe. We had two studios going. There's four studios here. So at one point we'll have two rooms going — one with, let's say Billy's in one room and Kelly's in another tracking or Francis. Francis, at one point, was the only one… When he starts it off, there's nothing else to start recording, so Francis goes first and knocks out the majority of it, and then everyone else just starts jumping in."

"Vol. 10" came out in June 2023. The 11-song LP featured 10 new BUCKCHERRY originals and, as a bonus track, a cover of the Bryan Adams classic "Summer Of 69". The album was produced by Frederiksen and recorded at Sienna Studios in Nashville. The album was released in North America by Round Hill Records, in Japan by Sony Japan, and by Earache Records for the rest of the world.

In November 2023, BUCKCHERRY released a new holiday song called "Tell 'Em It's Christmas".

BUCKCHERRY previously released another holiday song, "Christmas Is Here", back in 2010.

In the summer of 2020, BUCKCHERRY recruited JETBOY's Rowe as its new guitarist. He joined the group as the replacement for Kevin Roentgen, who left BUCKCHERRY in July of that year.

In 2019, BUCKCHERRY enlisted Ruiz as its new drummer. He joined the group as the replacement for Sean Winchester, who exited BUCKCHERRY after laying down the drum tracks on "Warpaint".

Endurance Music Group has announced the January 17, 2025 release of the 20th-anniversary deluxe edition of the double-platinum BUCKCHERRY album "15" on physical and digital formats. Released in 2005, the album featured the four-times-platinum single "Crazy Bitch" and the two-times-platinum single "Sorry". The deluxe edition will be released in North America on a two vinyl LP format featuring the album's 11 original songs as well as four bonus tracks recorded in 2005 and three newly recorded acoustic tracks by Todd and guitarist Stevie Dacanay (a.k.a. Stevie D.)

The album is available for preorder in the U.S. at Amazon and at Real Gone Music.

Outside of North America, the album will be distributed by Earache Records on four exclusive LP colors, black vinyl and deluxe CD formats.

BUCKCHERRY will perform the "15" album in its entirety on all 2025 tour dates which begin in March.

Apple Original Films has announced the definitive new documentary on rock royalty FLEETWOOD MAC. The fully authorized documentary is directed by five-time Academy Award nominee and Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award winner Frank Marshall ("The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart", "The Beach Boys", "Rather"),and for the first time ever, Grammy Award-winning Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees FLEETWOOD MAC share their extraordinary story in their own words.

"I am fascinated by how this incredible story of enormous musical achievement came about," said director Frank Marshall. "FLEETWOOD MAC somehow managed to merge their often chaotic and almost operatic personal lives into their own tale in real-time, which then became legend. This will be a film about the music and the people who created it."

"We are thrilled to continue our creative partnership with Frank and the talented team at Kennedy/Marshall," said producer Nicholas Ferrall. "FLEETWOOD MAC are a musical phenomenon, their alchemy almost beyond comprehension. White Horse is grateful and humbled by the extraordinary opportunity to produce a documentary that dives deep into the talents of each band member individually and the magic that is FLEETWOOD MAC as a whole. And to do this with the support and reach of Apple is quite wonderful."

Following their fortuitous meeting in 1974, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks reflect on their uncompromising 50-plus-year history, from their record-breaking recordings and tours — including never-before-seen footage, exclusive new interviews, and archival interviews of the late Christine McVie — through to today. The film will explore how the band's trials and tribulations, personal resilience, and musical dexterity combined to create songs that have stood the test of time and are enduring masterpieces. It will take fans through the highs and lows of their brilliant career, illuminating the exceptional ingredients each member brought to the band's uncommon alchemy — a musical union that sold more than 220 million records worldwide. The documentary will explore what allowed this combination of artists to create singular musical work again and again, and what drew them back together and held them there when every possible pressure, both outside and inside the band, threatened to blow them apart.

Director Frank Marshall produces through The Kennedy/Marshall Company with White Horse Pictures' Nicholas Ferrall ("The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years", "Stax: Soulsville, U.S.A." ) and Jeanne Elfant Festa ("The Apollo", "Lucy And Desi"),and Kennedy/Marshall's Aly Parker ("The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart", "The Space Race"). White Horse's Cassidy Hartmann executive produces with Kennedy/Marshall's Tony Rosenthal. Diamond Docs' Mark Monroe serves as writer and executive producer.

Christian rockers SKILLET surprised fans today with the announcement of their "Kingdom Of Rock" book.

Exclusive packages are available only via pre-order in the SKILLET app today through midnight CT on November 21 by using the code "Allthatmatters." All book packages also have a 20% off early Black Friday discount. Following the pre-sale, the book will be available in SKILLET's webstore.

Many people across the music industry said that SKILLET would never make it — blurring the lines between Christian music and mainstream rock, the band was "too spiritual," "too positive," and had female musicians, which was almost unheard of in rock 'n' roll. Now, 28 years and 22 million album sales later, SKILLET continues to defy all odds.

The band has sold out arenas in 32 countries across five continents, including their first-ever, recent nearly 100% sold-out Middle East tour.

As testimony to their global impact, check out the video below featuring fans from all over the world talking about what the band coming to their city and country means to them.

With smash hits like the five-times-platinum "Monster" and two-times-platinum "Feel Invincible", which claimed the No. 1 spot on rock radio, SKILLET's unapologetic messages of hope and redemption have been spotlighted by brands like WWE, Marvel, ESPN, NFL, "Conan", USA Today and The New York Times.

With over 13.2 billion streams as proof, SKILLET has won over the hearts of fans around the world who join together to celebrate over two decades of raw, powerful rock from a band few expected to succeed. This unfiltered reflection from founding member John Cooper chronicles SKILLET's unparalleled music career with honest commentary, never-before-seen candids, glossy concert shots, the best (and worst) album covers, and beloved Panhead fan art from the band's archives.

Expected to only extend SKILLET's formidable legacy, the band released their 12th studio project, "Revolution", on November 1. Streams for focus tracks "Unpopular", "All That Matters" and "Ash In The Wind" have soared, with the music leaving critics raving, calling it a "hard-rocking freight train," "fantastic" and "exactly what fans want."

SKILLET will be the headline act for Winter Jam 2025, hitting 38 cities across the U.S. Full routing and line up at Skillet.com.

After nearly three decades, eleven albums, and thousands of shows worldwide, SKILLET plays louder, fight harder, and sound more rebellious than ever. As of 2024, the band has received two Grammy Award nominations, picked up a Billboard Music Award, and landed three albums in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200. Selling over 22 million units worldwide, they have notched multiplatinum, platinum, or gold RIAA certifications for a total of 12 singles and four full-length albums. Not to mention, they have regularly attracted 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, boasting "one of the most-streamed rock songs of all-time" with the five-times-platinum "Monster". Their presence has impressively surged throughout popular culture with syncs by WWE, Marvel, ESPN and NFL in addition to coverage from USA Today, The New York Times, and more. As a live force of nature, they have touched down on four continents and in 26 countries, packing arenas everywhere from the Middle East to Russia. Not to mention, SKILLET expanded their world with the graphic novel series "Eden". The first installment stood out as Z2 Comics' best-selling book of all-time.

Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

In a brand new interview with Loaded Radio, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick was asked why he wasn't ever approached to rejoin the band after Ace Frehley left for good back in 2001. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "That's a great question. And not everyone's aware of some of the backstory. I would hear things about them having problems with Ace and Ace was getting erratic or difficult. And [later KISS guitarist] Tommy Thayer was actually tour managing with them; he was on the road with them. Because even during my era, he was involved with the band, helping with 'Kisstory' and doing things for the group. He wrote some songs with Gene [Simmons, KISS bassist/vocalist] and was always part of the inner circle, shall I say. So from what I understood, there was one or two things that KISS did — not a concert, even though once Ace was almost not gonna make it and they made Tommy get the outfit on. [He had a] similar build — tall and thin — and Ace made it to the show. But there were a couple of other things they needed to do. I believe 'That '70s Show', when they were taping, Ace didn't show up. 'Tommy, get the outfit on.' And then I think there was a private gig, too, that no one would really know about — one of those things where you go to an island and play for some rich people. And Ace wouldn't go. And KISS wasn't gonna say, 'All right, we're not gonna take the gig.' So if they ever had a thought of me, I think they would have known that that probably would have been a lot harder. Tommy was younger, there already, if you know what I mean, working with them. And Tommy, not everybody knows that he was in a tribute band for fun at times called COLD GIN as Ace Frehley."

Bruce continued: "So if they would have went to me, I can't say I absolutely would have said 'no.' I miss being in KISS. I do realize it would have kind of pooped on my era because then I'd have to kind of play the role of the 'Spaceman' and shoot rockets and play more like Ace. I was never given that direction from Gene and Paul [Stanley, KISS guitarist/vocalist], where Tommy knew that it actually was more comfortable with his natural style of guitar playing. He wasn't a Floyd Rose, play-some-flashy-riffs king of the mountain. So I never felt like they made the wrong choice — ever. I always felt that was the right way to go 'cause then Tommy could assume the role of the Spaceman in the group. Eric [Singer, KISS drummer] sometimes gets some criticism, like Tommy has, but Eric being behind the drums and having five years in the band without the makeup, maybe he gets a little less. Neither of them really deserve criticism because they're talented players doing a great job. And it was Gene and Paul's choice to say, 'And now you're the Catman,' 'And now you're the Spaceman.' It wasn't [Tommy and Eric] saying, 'Please, I wanna be the Spaceman.' And to new generations, Tommyis the Spaceman. Even though Eric has a lot of credibility from 'Revenge' and 'MTV Unplugged' and 'Carnival Of Souls' and all the work that we did together for those five years. So, I actually kind of lost the big gig on many levels for the right reasons though. And I was never fired the first time. It was simply, 'Well, we're making all this money. Now we're selling out from arenas to stadiums in makeup.' So my era ran its course."

In 1984, Bruce joined KISS, where he remained as their lead guitarist for twelve years, accompanying the band on the "Animalize" tour and continuing with the band until the 1996 reunion tour. Bruce is heavily featured on "Kissology – Vol. 2" and "Vol. 3", the band's DVDs spanning their historic 45-year career.

In an April 2020 interview with Sleaze Roxx, Kulick said that he was "relieved" he wasn't approached to rejoin the band after Frehley left for good back in 2001.

"When I had to leave in '96 after the success of the KISS 'Unplugged' performance, people were aware of the musicianship that existed in the band between Eric Singer [drums] and I, but after 20 years of people hearing about KISS in makeup, it was kind of like 'Star Wars' when it was rebooted people went to see what it was all about," he said. "I understood that it was the original guys, they put the makeup on and people were excited to either see it again or see it for the first time. That carried on, then it carried on and it carried on. [Laughs] It then reached a point where Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] couldn't continue with Peter [Criss] so they called on Eric Singer to step into the role and the makeup.

"Eric is such a tremendous drummer," he continued. "I was genuinely happy for him. I still am. Then when Ace started dropping the ball, it was seamless for them to go with Tommy Thayer who does such a fantastic job as the 'Spaceman.'

"If I had been asked to step into the 'Spaceman' role, it would have been really awkward for me. I get asked by the fans a lot, 'Well, why aren't you there?' I think Tommy stepping into the role was a lot more natural than Bruce Kulick becoming the 'Spaceman' and shooting rockets off of my guitar. I would have had to play the songs note for note like Ace. I don't think I could do that and remain happy in the band. Tommy does that to perfection. I was never required to learn the classic stuff note for note, but if you're going to be the 'Spaceman,' it would have to stay true to the way Ace plays it. That's not to say that I don't play the classic songs with respect. I play the GRAND FUNK RAILROAD songs with respect, while injecting my own style into them, like I did in my time in KISS. I would lose my 'liberties' if I stepped into the 'Spaceman' role.

"I'm friends with Tommy, Bruce added. "We've gotten closer over the years on the 'Kiss Kruise'. We've spoken a lot on the 'Kruise'. He once said to me, 'Hey, I never got into the Floyd Rose whammy bar thing. How do you play 'Crazy Nights'?' I said, 'Don't worry about it. Play it how you play it. It's what works for you. I don't take any offense and you don't need to copy how I do it.'

"Tommy's style is so much closer to Ace's than mine. I have a unique style to my approach you can hear it on 'Tears Are Falling', 'Who Wants To Be Lonely', 'Unholy' and even the acoustic solo on 'Forever'. I am proud of my body of work for that era of KISS. I'm embracing it. The fans are embracing it. It's all good."

Kulick went on to say that he is at peace with the fact that he will never be part of the makeup era of KISS.

"I was relieved [when they didn't ask me to step in after Ace left]," he said. "I think if I had been asked and done it, I think it would hurt. I know that Tommy and Eric avoid… I'm close to both but I'm closer with Eric. They avoid reading things online. Their best medicine is to just do a great job every night and not read that stuff. I'm shocked that sometimes someone will leave a snarky comment toward me. I'm, like, 'Really?' I don't get into that stuff and I don't like anything negative on social media and I never do or post anything negative. I won't allow anything negative. There's times I read something and I choose to ignore it. Everyone has a voice these days. They have a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone.

"I was relieved, but how could I not have 'entertained' the idea if I was asked? At the time when they swooped Tommy right in, I was already in GRAND FUNK RAILROAD and I was and still am pretty happy with my role in the band. Sure, it wasn't KISS, but it's a great gig. Now think of it from this angle. Let's say they made the right proposition and I took it, then Ace wanted back into the band. Where would that have left me? No KISS gig and no gig in GRAND FUNK."

In some of his recent interviews, Bruce once again confirmed that he wasn't asked to perform at KISS's final show and wasn't invited to attend the event, which was held last December at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

The Melvin Zoopers YouTube channel has uploaded video of Ace Frehley's entire November 16 concert at Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines, Iowa. You can now watch it below.

In a recent interview with The Archive Of B-Sox, Ace Frehley was asked what keeps him going as a recording artist and performer after all these years. He responded: "I've been playing guitar 60 [years]. I started when I was 13. I'm 73. Professionally I've been playing for around 60.

"I really enjoy performing," he explained. "I get so much pleasure out of making people happy, and when I perform and I get a good audience response, it makes my day. Plus, for an hour and a half, I give my fans a treat to see me perform live without any backing tracks or any of that nonsense that other people I've worked in the past have used. No names [mentioned]. And I just get out there and kick ass. And I've got a great band — I've got Scot Coogan on drums, Jeremy Asbrock on lead guitar vocals and Ryan Cook on bass. And the four of us just kick ass. We do new stuff, FREHLEY'S COMET stuff and we do KISS stuff. It's a well-rounded show, and I think the fans will be pleasantly surprised."

The original KISS guitarist is continuing to tour in support of his latest solo album, "10,000 Volts", which was released in February via MNRK Music Group (formerly eOne Music). The LP was produced by Ace and Steve Brown (TRIXTER).

Frehley recently revealed that his next release will be a third "Origins" volume, covering songs by artists who influenced him. He will once again work with Brown on the project, which is tentatively due in 2025.

Frehley, who co-founded KISS in 1973, left KISS twice — in 1982 and again in 2002.

When all four original KISS members concurrently released solo records in September 1978, Ace's LP was the most successful, yielding the top 20 single "New York Groove".

In 2016, Frehley collaborated Paul Stanley on a rendition of FREE's "Fire And Water". That track appeared on Frehley's covers LP "Origins Vol. 1", released that year.

Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has announced his "Bass Warrior" tour across Europe for spring 2025. The tour will feature Ellefson and his solo band performing select cuts from his well-known catalog of MEGADETH hits, solo material and other hard rock and metal favorites which inspired him during his 40-year music career.

When the original "Bass Warrior" tour was first announced, Ellefson said in a statement: "I've approached my career as that of a musical warrior, always accompanied by my bass guitar. I eagerly anticipate bringing these songs back to the stage, while sharing introspective and entertaining anecdotes about their creation. It's been a wild ride of low notes and high stakes."

To coincide with the announcement, Ellefson teamed up with "American Idol" contestant James Durbin to release a powerhouse version of the JUDAS PRIEST classic "Metal Gods". The song also features Ellefson's solo band of musicians, including his longtime friend and musical director Andy Martongelli. The song is now available across all digital platforms and can be heard below.

Ellefson states: "As we're announcing the next round of 'Bass Warrior' tour dates for 2025, it seemed fitting to push out a new track which so clearly identifies heavy metal music, that of our favorite JUDAS PRIEST! And, to do it with our friend James Durbin on vocals. He has such a fantastic voice and he even performed with the mighty PRIEST on 'American Idol' so this story pretty much wrote itself."

Durbin adds: "When David Ellefson and Andrea Martongelli DM you and want you to cover JUDAS PRIEST with them, the answer is 'YES'! Aside from the late great Ronnie James Dio, the mighty PRIEST are the top of the heavy metal mountain for me and covering their music is a request I'll never turn down, especially considering who that request come from."

James Durbin was a contestant on the tenth season of "American Idol" and performed alongside JUDAS PRIEST during the show’s finale that year.

Ellefson's version of "Metal Gods" was produced by Ellefson and his solo band guitarist Andy Martongelli and mixed by Alessio Garavello at Rogue Recording Studios in Wembley, U.K.

Musicians featured on Ellefson's version of "Metal Gods" are:

James Durbin - Lead Vocals
David Ellefson - Bass Guitar
Andy Martongelli - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Walter Cianciusi - Lead Guitars
Paolo Caridi - Drums

Produced by David Ellefson and Andy Martongelli

Mixing and backing vocals by Alessio Garavello for Rogue Recording Studios, Wembley, U.K.

Ellefson was fired from MEGADETH more than three years ago after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the bassist were posted on Twitter.

David was in MEGADETH from the band's inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest exit.

In 2004, Ellefson filed an $18.5-million lawsuit against Mustaine, alleging the MEGADETH leader shortchanged him on profits and backed out of a deal to turn Megadeth Inc. over to him when the band broke up in 2002. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed and Ellefson rejoined MEGADETH in 2010.

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach celebrated the 35th anniversary of the band's debut album, "Skid Row", by performing the LP in its entirety last night (Monday, November 18) at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California. Fan-filmed video of the show can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Bach was asked if he writes songs and lyrics on a regular basis. He responded: "I write all of the time, but I don't ever write. [Laughs] Let me explain what I mean. I've always been a guy who collects things. I collect riffs, I collect lyrics and I collect titles. But mainly riffs. I can make a riff into a song. A riff is a riff. I know what a good riff is.

"I've met songwriters that say, 'I'm going to write a song for Sebastian Bach.' They put all of this time, effort and emotion into it. They try to finish a whole song and give it to me. That rarely works. Because I need to feel it in my bones in order to sing it correctly," Sebastian explained.

"I've always written songs. You know, it's so confusing to people. They say, 'You didn't write [SKID ROW's classic ballad] 'I Remember You'.' Okay, let's go down this logic. As I said, some people will try to write a full song and give it to me. But rarely does that happen. Sometimes it does. [Laughs] Rachel [Bolan, SKID ROW bassist] and Snake [SKID ROW guitarist Dave Sabo] played me 'I Remember You' and I'm going, 'Okay, done. Next? This song's done!'

"If I'm going down this logic, 'You didn't write that', then I should go in there and say, 'Okay, I'm going to change this just to get my fuckin' name on it, because I'm a prick. [Laughs] I don't work like that. A lot of people do. Names that I won't say, they think, 'I'm the songwriter, so I have to write a song.' I don't ever think like that. If my next-door neighbor has a kick-ass riff, I don't care that it's my next-door neighbor. Hey, let's work on this. I'm into the content. I'm not into the form. I don't give a fuck about the logo. I don't care. It means nothing to me. I care about what's inside the record. I care about the riff of [SKID ROW's song] 'Monkey Business', which I wrote with Snake, even though my name's not on there. I crafted that riff with him. I'm into metal. I'm into heavy metal.

"Some fans say, 'Why do Sebastian's albums sound more like the early SKID ROW records than SKID ROW?' Which they do. I'm not bragging — they do. They just do. I have two ears. I can hear," Bach continued. "The reason for that is that I was the guy in the studio for [SKID ROW's second album] 'Slave To The Grind' with [producer] Michael Wagener, sitting next to him, picking the amp sounds, driving around town choosing Marshall amps that we liked. It was me, not anyone else. It was me and Michael Wagener, because we were fans of metal. Like ACCEPT, which he produced. MALICE, which he produced. We were the real heavy metal guys. Some of the guys in that band are into [Bruce] Springsteen and Southside Johnny and that's what their scene is. Some guys are into the RAMONES and punk. I brought the metal. I was the heavy metal fan of that band. When you listen to [Bach's solo records] 'Angel Down' or 'Child Within The Man', they fit with 'Slave To The Grind' seamlessly.

"When I get involved in something, people will say, 'He's hard to work with.' Because nothing comes easily. Nothing. I'm not hard to work with when somebody says, 'Do you like this song?' and the song is 'I Remember You'. That's the easiest fucking day there is, ever. [Laughs]"

In a December 2023 interview with the "Radio Forrest" podcast, Rachel was asked if it's true that 1989's "Skid Row" LP was "completely written and done" before Sebastian came into the group and laid down his vocals on it. Rachel responded: "Yeah, pretty much — all except for a couple things here and there, but I would say about 98 percent were written and done, for sure."

He added: "That's the way it just worked out. Snake [SKID ROW guitarist Dave Sabo] and I, when we first met, we just started writing songs. We each had our own band, and we didn't commit to a band. And we each did our own gigs and whatever, but we'd get together and write songs. And then once we saw, like, 'Wow. These songs are really cool. Let's put something together and just start playing them for people.' And that's how SKID ROW was born. It was kind of like a two- or three-step process. And so Snake and I just ended up the main songwriters. It's not to say that we didn't want anyone else's contributions, 'cause that's not the case."

Bolan continued: "You know as soon as you start playing an idea for the guys whether they like it or not, whether it's a good idea or not. 'Cause sometimes I think that I have the next 'Stairway To Heaven' and I'll bring it to rehearsal and everyone's, like, 'Eh.' And you're just, like, 'Oh, that hurts.' But it is what it is. All five of you have to have to get off on it for it to become a SKID ROW song."

Bach addressed Bolan's comments during his February 24, 2024 solo concert at Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota. After performing the song "Makin A Mess" from "Skid Row", Sebastian told the crowd: "You might read online, you might read online my old bass player, and my old guitar player, 'Oh, we came up with 98 percent of that shit.' Well, if you look in the credits, I co-wrote that last song, I'll have you know. I co-wrote these lyrics. I co-wrote these lyrics. It goes, 'One, two, baby what you do / Three, four, let me show you the door / You're better off dead than makin' a mess of me / Five, six, take your last licks / Seven, eight, I'm gonna give it to you straight.' It's like fucking Shakespeare. Those are some rhyming couplets that I just laid on you."

Bach joined SKID ROW in 1988 as the replacement for the band's original lead singer Matt Fallon, who sang on demo versions of songs that were eventually re-recorded for SKID ROW's multi-platinum 1989 eponymous LP.

Back in June 2021, Bach weighed in on a Twitter discussion between SKID ROW fans in response to the announcement that the band's then-lineup would perform its second album, "Slave To The Grind", in its entirety at a California concert the following month. When one fan wrote that Sebastian "made SKID ROW the band they were," another fan chimed in: "It's hard to say a guy made a band who they were when he didn't write anything on their biggest selling album. You get another good vocalist and you probably have the same result". This prompted Sebastian to write: "Hey stupid you do realize that the songwriting credits are on the album right? Can you read?" When the same Twitter user said that "Fans need to move past ERAs", Bach responded: "Fans have moved past ERAS they started back in 1996 jackass. You can either listen to #AngelDown #KickingandScreaming and #GiveEmHell," referencing his last three solo albums, "or you can listen to 'Rise Of The Damnation Army United World Rebellion Chapter 2'," which was the 2014 post-Bach EP released by SKID ROW. "The choice of songwriters is up to you".

Apparently undeterred, the fan who made the original comment about the alleged lack of Sebastian's songwriting contributions went on to say: "[Bach] wrote NONE of the songs on their biggest selling album which is the comment he is responding to,. I have been corrected on 'Slave To The Grind', I guess he can legitimately sing those 3 songs live". To this, Sebastian replied: "READ THE CREDITS YOU F****** IDIOT I wrote the song 'Makin A Mess' and every single high note on the first SKID ROW Record when I was 19 years old. You think anybody wrote the screams in '18 And Life' other than me? Why don't you go listen to the guy before me sing It on YouTube and go shove that video up your ass".

He continued: "Hey you dumb fuck I co-wrote five songs on 'Slave To The Grind' if you could learn to read you would know this. I co-wrote five songs on 'Subhuman Race' so shove that up your ass too. Go listen to my solo records & the records they make without me and have a gr8 time".

Sebastian added: "Read the credits if you want fact. The fact is u r a lifetime loser and you always will be. You have no clue what you're talking about & can't read liner notes. The albums they wrote without me are the ones that I do not sing on. My solo albums were written without them. Enjoy".

Sebastian's comments came six years after he slammed his former bandmates in SKID ROW for claiming to have written all the songs on the group's early records without him. During an appearance on the "Snider Comments" podcast with host Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER, Bach said: "The biggest lie that those guys always tell is, 'We wrote all the songs on all the records.' If you listen to my albums and the SKID ROW albums, and then you listen to the SKID ROW albums without me, and then listen to my solo albums, that'll give you all that you need to know about who wrote what. When they say, 'We wrote the song '18 And Life', you [just] sang it.' Okay, let's examine that statement. You can go listen to the original version of that song online, and then you can listen to me doing it, and there's something called a melody line. Okay? Where it goes, [singing] 'Lived nine to five and he worked his fingers to the bone.' Every time my voice goes into the register where you turn it up and go, 'Holy shit! Did you fucking hear that?' Those are the notes that I wrote, okay? Nobody does that in the version before that I didn't fucking… 'Can I sing this note in this part?' 'Yeah, do that, Sebastian. Yeah, do that.'"

He continued: "So I'm nineteen years old, taking these fucking songs and turning them into JUDAS PRIEST songs, as far as… I'm rewriting the melody lines, never thinking anybody was gonna like it, never thinking anybody was gonna buy it. I'm thinking I'm gonna be the next MALICE, not the next BON JOVI. The last thing anybody ever thinks is that somebody is gonna like this shit. That was, like, the last-case scenario. So I'm not in court, saying, 'I wrote this note! I fucking…' I'm not gonna be in litigation when I'm nineteen. You know?! So, [them saying] 'We wrote all the songs' is such a fucking pile of shit."

Asked by Snider if he thinks it's okay for some other singer to come and imitate his vocal and writing style and represent himself as the frontman of SKID ROW, Bach responded: "No. I think they should change the name of the band and leave… Like, VAN HALEN, okay, had Sammy [Hagar]… Well, they had Gary [Cherone]…. [Laughs] I forgot about that. But anyways, I would say, save the name of the band… I'm not saying that for me; I'm saying that for all of rock and roll."

Sebastian also talked about the fact that he believes he is by far the most recognizable member of the classic SKID ROW lineup. He said: "The elephant in the room here is, like, when you [referring to Dee] and me walk down the street, Dee Snider and Sebastian Bach, we are the human beings that other human beings hang out the car window and go, 'Youth gone wild, motherfucker!' 'We're not gonna take it!' There's no other people… There's no other guy… Not one guy in SKID ROW walks down the street and can't walk down the fucking street. I can't walk down the street without people going, 'Fuck! What the fuck!' There's no [other] guy in the band that will ever have that; they never will. The public decides. It's like the show 'American Idol'. 'We're gonna pick an 'American idol'.' No, you're not. America is gonnna pick the fucking idol. America is the people that decide who the band is. You know what I'm saying?!"

Asked in a 2013 interview with Metal Covenant if Bach "actually wrote anything significant on [SKID ROW's early] albums," Sabo responded: "To be totally honest, yeah. I mean, he contributed to things here and there. There is no doubt; you can't deny it. But to the extent that what Rachel and I would put into a song, no. I mean, Rachel and I spent three months on 'Quicksand Jesus'. So to sit there and say that he didn't contribute anything, then I'd be lying. But to sit there and say that he contributed equally as we did, that would be a lie."

In a 2010 interview, Bolan stated about SKID ROW's split with Sebastian: "There was so much tension and so much infighting that it was hard to write songs. Snake and I formed the band, we wrote the songs, and then other people played and sang it. People wanted to break away from what had been working, and that impeded the songwriting."

Regarding the decision to reform SKID ROW in 1999 without Bach, Bolan said: "The blood was so bad after [1995's] 'Subhuman Race' and there was just so much stuff in the press, we knew it wasn't going to work [with Sebastian]. We decided we'd rather go on being happy with what we were doing than get right back into all the tension and dissension. We loved the music, we loved playing, and we knew we could do this and have fun again. So we decided right there to continue without him."

Image courtesy of alexvigil29

Sebastian Bach will be celebrating 35 years of the Skid Row's debut album , Skid Row by performing it in its entirety...

Posted by Whisky A Go-Go on Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Master craftsmen of groove rock CLUTCH have been honing their sound since they first formed in 1991. It was their second record, the eponymous "Clutch", which saw them start to experiment more, blending more funk flavors with their stoner and blues influences, a sign of things to come.

Now, fans will have the chance to hear that record in full, as the band announces plans for an extensive European and North American tour which will see CLUTCH play the record in sequence and in its entirety. Production, staging, and lighting will be designed especially to enhance the vibe of this ground-breaking release. The band is excited to bring their plans for this unique show to fruition!

The 2025 European leg is as follows:

Nov. 24 - DK - Copenhagen - Store VEGA
Nov. 26 - FI - Helsinki - House Of Culture
Nov. 28 - SE - Stockholm - B-K
Nov. 29 - NO - Oslo - Rockefeller
Dec. 02 - DE - Hamburg - Grosse Freiheit 36
Dec. 03 - DE - Berlin - Festsaal Kreuzberg
Dec. 05 - HU - Budapest - Barba Negra
Dec. 06 - HR - Zagreb - Event centar Boćarski dom
Dec. 07 - DE - Munich - Backstage Werk
Dec. 08 - DE - Wiesbaden - Schlachthof
Dec. 10 - DE - Cologne - Live Music Hall
Dec. 11 - NL - Amsterdam - Paradiso
Dec. 12 - BE - Brussels - Ancienne Belgique
Dec. 13 - FR - Paris - Elysée Montmartre
Dec. 15 - GB - Bristol - Beacon
Dec. 17 - GB - Birmingham - O2 Academy
Dec. 18 - GB - Glasgow - O2 Academy
Dec. 19 - GB - Manchester - Academy
Dec. 20 - GB - London - Roundhouse

Tickets go on general sale Friday, November 22 at 10 a.m. local time from clutchmerch.com. Stay tuned for news about the North American leg to come.

Released by Atlantic Records back in May 1995, the self-titled album afforded CLUTCH their first mainstream exposure, and spawned a trilogy of psychedelic-tinged singles still much loved by fans today: "Big News", "Spacegrass" and "Escape From The Prison Planet".

In 2025, marking its 30th anniversary, Weathermaker will release this influential stoner classic on 180-gram vinyl. Full details are yet to be revealed.

CLUTCH has been writing new music on and off around its touring commitments, preparing for what will be the band's fourteenth studio LP, the follow-up to 2022's acclaimed "Sunrise On Slaughter Beach". Although CLUTCH has confirmed it is working with producer Tom Dalgety once again, little else has been revealed so far including any expected timeline.

Singer Neil Fallon shared with Laughingmonkeymusic: "The thing is with being in a band, it's a hive mind. It'd be one thing if you were the only person you had to answer to and you understood what kind of mood you're in. Like, 'I'm in a sour mood. I don't wanna write music. Or 'I'm in a great mood and I could bang out five songs.' But when you're dealing with personalities, particularly personalities that have been with each other for 30 years, you kind of have to wait for the stars to align. And we don't wanna just put out a record for the sake of putting out a record. We wanna put out an awesome record, and if that takes longer than, let's say, usual, then so be it."

Fans keen for the latest titbits should sign up to CLUTCH's newsletter, News From The Doom Saloon, via their official web site. Its last instalment exclusively revealed two working titles for new songs: "Church Of The Mountain Wolf" and "Wild Kingdom".

CLUTCH shares more in common with THE GRATEFUL DEAD, RUSH and THE ALLMAN BROTHERS than their heavy riffs and heady twists-of-phrase might suggest. Because like those bands, the supporters who adore CLUTCH are there for the experience, community, and authentic connection. To love CLUTCH is to feel a sense of ownership, membership, and belonging.

Seneca Valley High School classmates Neil Fallon (vocals),Tim Sult (guitar),Dan Maines (bass) and Jean-Paul Gaster (drums) share an unshakeable musical and personal bond now three decades strong. Shaped by the same region which birthed BAD BRAINS, MINOR THREAT and RITES OF SPRING, CLUTCH crafts hyper-literate and libertine jams informed by hardcore fury and fuzzy, athletic, stoner rock.

Live shows over the years include tours with SLAYER and SYSTEM OF A DOWN and more recent co-headlining treks with DROPKICK MURPHYS, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and MASTODON. Like SLAYER or IRON MAIDEN, CLUTCH outlasted rock bands anchored to "hit songs" and the pressure of replicating them. The foursome from Germantown, Maryland, isn't bound by trends. Across thirteen studio albums and assorted releases since 1991, they've earned a reputation as one of the best around.

FEAR FACTORY recruited LIONS AT THE GATE's Stephen Brewer to play bass on the veteran Los Angeles-based act's recent shows in Australia and Japan.

Brewer, who also previously played guitar for WESTFIELD MASSACRE, was filling in for FEAR FACTORY's longtime bassist Tony Campos, who was on the road with STATIC-X.

Fan-filmed video of the November 9 concert at the Froth & Fury festival in Adelaide, Australia can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Germany's MoreCore.TV, FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares was asked what the response has been to the live performances so far with the band's new lead singer, Milo Silvestro. He said: "Well, the funny thing is we missed [what was supposed to be] our first show [with Milo in February 2023]. Because in California we got some really bad snow weather, so we got stuck in the snow. So we missed our first show. And it was really unfortunate because a lot of people from other parts of the world flew in to see him at his first show — people from Holland, people from Germany. So they were very upset. But luckily, we went back and made it up. But we missed our first show. But the reaction has been 100 percent positive ever since."

Milo concurred, saying: "We were all very thankful to the fans that they accepted this new era, because you don't take such thing for granted, because you're replacing a member, a singer in a such iconic band. It's always almost like a Russian roulette. Dino was, like, when we were doing the audition, 'Get ready for some backlash,' and stuff like that. Fortunately, the majority of the fans were, and still are, super happy about it. And I'm so thankful to them."

Added Dino: "I think people are happy just in general for us to be back. And because of Milo, to get these opportunities, and, of course, the legendary status of FEAR FACTORY that we're able to come back and do these well-established, legendary festivals."

Asked about what fans can expect from FEAR FACTORY in the future, Dino said: "Classic FEAR FACTORY record. Next year. For sure. We've been touring since February of 2023. We've been touring non-stop. And I think we're very lucky that a lot of the promoters and a lot of fans are happy to have us back, and we're excited to get out there and play for them."

At this past summer's Download festival in the United Kingdom, Cazares told Primordial Radio about how things are going with the band's current lineup, also featuring Silvestro, Campos and Pete Webber on drums: " At the moment, smooth sailing. And it's been great. Everybody's on point. Pete Webber's on drums. He's sick. He came from a thrash metal band called HAVOK. Killer drummer. We call him Pete The Feet. Milo Silvestro — new kid on the block. He came straight from Rome, Italy. He sounds like a young Burton [C. Bell, original FEAR FACTORY singer], you know what I mean? [He sounds like Burton did] back in the day. He sounds amazing. He's probably the most musically talented in the band. And then Tony Campos, my old friend. He's been with the band since, like, 2015. He comes from a band called STATIC-X. He's been my mate for 30-plus years, and it's always good to play with him, and I'm glad he's with us."

Dino continued: "It's a great place right now. We are trying to avoid any of that drama. And luckily we have for the past year and a half since we came back."

Silvestro's addition to FEAR FACTORY was officially announced in February 2023.

In a recent interview with Brutal Planet Magazine, Dino was asked whether Milo is a "good lyricist". Cazares responded: "Oh, yeah. He's got some other little projects that he works on and the lyrics are really good. So we're not gonna have any issues with that. That was one of the main things that a lot of people have been complaining — not complaining, but the Internet type of bitching. It was, like, 'Okay. Yeah, he could sing great live. He could do all the songs great live. But what's it gonna be like when he does the record? How's his lyrics gonna be? How's this gonna be?' Relax. It's all gonna be good. Don't worry."

In the fall of 2023, Dino told Nyva Zarbano that Milo "brings obviously a freshness that FEAR FACTORY needed. The last singer that we had [Burton C. Bell], obviously he had a lot of vocal issues and he really couldn't sing or do any of this kind of heavy touring," he explained. "It just was a big setback for us. So bringing Milo into the band, obviously he's got a great voice, he's very talented, he's a multi-instrumentalist. He could play more than one instrument. The kid's very talented. Of course, the story is I found him on the Internet. He was releasing videos of him doing FEAR FACTORY covers and he was posting them on all the FEAR FACTORY fan sites. And I saw him there, and I was, like, 'Okay, that's really got my attention.' But we had many people audition, but he was the one that really stood out. And he's a huge fan of FEAR FACTORY. And he pretty much learned from listening to our older vocalist. So he learned a lot of his stuff. And so, I mean, if you close your eyes, you think it's the original singer."

In a separate interview with Australia's "Everblack" podcast, Cazares was asked if Silvestro was "getting more comfortable" with his position as the frontman of the long-running California metal act. Dino responded: "Oh, yeah. I mean, from the first day, we talked about a lot of stuff. Before the tour started, we rehearsed, and we were, like, 'Okay, these are the kind of things that we've done before. And I think you need to do this, this, this.' And he goes, 'Okay.' So then the first day [of the tour] comes, he just goes wild. And I'm, like, 'Oh, shit.' I was, like, 'Calm down.' I go, 'You don't need to go insane everywhere. Just focus on singing, focus on getting everything, giving the crowd all equal attention,' blah, blah. There's certain things you just gotta teach him a little bit, right? And so he pretty much nailed it the first day."

FEAR FACTORY played its first headlining concert with Silvestro and touring drummer Pete Webber on May 5, 2023 at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California.

Earlier last year, FEAR FACTORY completed the "Rise Of The Machine" U.S. tour as the support act for STATIC-X marked the Cazares-led outfit's first run of shows with Silvestro and Webber.

Webber had been filling in for FEAR FACTORY's longtime drummer Mike Heller who was unable to play with the band due to "scheduling conflicts."

Yngwie Malmsteen, the legendary rock star and guitar virtuoso known for his lightning-fast solos and neoclassical style, has stepped into the world of health and wellness with his latest creation: the Yngwie Malmsteen's Force multivitamin supplement gummies.

According to a post on the Swedish musician's official merchandise webstore, "Yngwie's focus on peak performance extends beyond music and into personal well-being. His new line of multivitamin gummies is designed for those who, like him, demand the best from their bodies. With his bold stage presence and a lifestyle fueled by passion and intensity, Yngwie knows the importance of maintaining energy and health. These multivitamin gummies are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, providing the perfect boost to keep anyone feeling powerful, focused, and ready to conquer the day. Yngwie believes that 'feeling good and healthy is vital,' whether you're shredding on the guitar or managing daily life. These gummies are formulated to support a strong immune system, enhance energy levels, and promote overall wellness, all in a tasty, rockstar-approved form."

The gummies are packaged in bottles of 50 and come in three favors: cherry, raspberry and strawberry. Each bottle costs $39.99.

In an August 23 post on his official Facebook, Yngwie shared a picture of his guitar along with three of his vitamin gummies, and he included the following message: "The secret to my force over the past forty years isn't what you'd think… vitamins. I am super health conscious, I wake up early, play tennis take my vitamins, drive my cars spend time with my family and make music for you guys".

Yngwie's 40th-anniversary tour kicked off on September 26 in Fort Myers, Florida and will conclude on November 22 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Support on the trek is coming from singer-songwriter Kurt Deimer.

For more information, visit www.yngwiemalmsteen.com/tour.

Yngwie's latest album, "Parabellum", was released in July 2021 via Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group. Only four of the songs on the LP feature vocals. The album title is Latin, translating as "Prepare For War".

After working with some of the top hard singers of the past four decades, Yngwie now handles much of the lead vocals himself in his own band, backed by a lineup that includes keyboardist Nick Marino, bassist Emilio Martinez and drummer Kevin Klingenschmid.

The secret to my force over the past forty years isn’t what you’d think… vitamins 🐻🎸⚡️ I am super health conscious, I...

Posted by Official Yngwie Malmsteen on Friday, August 23, 2024

Hours after tickets went on sale last Friday (November 15) for MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE "'Long Live': The Black Parade 2025 North American Stadium Tour", fans acted quickly and 365,000 tickets were sold.

Due to popular demand, the band has added a second night in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

After performing "The Black Parade" album in its entirety at the most recent When We Were Young festival, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE — Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Frank Iero and Mikey Way — will celebrate "The Black Parade" next summer. The seminal album was named one of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time". The band will be performing the full album in only 10 cities across North America, produced by Live Nation, with each show featuring a different hand-selected artist as the opening act.

Tour dates:

July 11, 2025 - Seattle, WA - T-Mobile Park

Special guest: VIOLENT FEMMES

July 19, 2025 - San Francisco, CA - Oracle Park

Special guest: 100 GECS

July 26, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA - Dodger Stadium

Special guest: WALLOWS

July 27, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA - Dodger Stadium

Special guest: WALLOWS

August 2, 2025 - Arlington, TX - Globe Life Field

Special guest: GARBAGE

August 9, 2025 - East Rutherford, NJ - MetLife Stadium

Special guests: DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE and THURSDAY

August 15, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA - Citizens Bank Park

Special guest: ALICE COOPER

August 22, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Rogers Centre

Special guest: PIXIES

August 29, 2025 - Chicago, IL - Soldier Field

Special guest: DEVO

September 7, 2025 - Boston, MA - Fenway Park

Special guest: IDLES

September 13, 2025 - Tampa, FL - Raymond James Stadium

Special guest: EVANESCENCE

"It has been seventeen years since 'The Black Parade' was sent to the MOAT," the band shared online ahead of "'Long Live': The Black Parade" tour general sale. "In that time, a great Dictator has risen to power, bringing about 'THE CONCRETE AGE'; a glorious time of stability and abundance in the history of DRAAG. His Grand Immortal Dictator wishes to celebrate our rich and storied culture, fine foods, and musical entertainments by welcoming you to these great demonstrations of power and resolve. And lending voice and song for the first time in six thousand two hundred and forty six days, their work privilege ceremoniously reinstated, will be His Grand Immortal Dictator's National Band… The Black Parade."

Following the success of their independently released debut album and major label breakout sophomore album that has been certified three times platinum, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE skyrocketed into the mainstream with their 2006 album "The Black Parade", which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Top Rock Albums and U.S. Top Tastemaker Albums charts. Its leading single, "Welcome To The Black Parade", has been certified five times platinum, while the album itself has earned four times platinum status.

Photo credit: Chapman Baehler

British metalcore giants ARCHITECTS will release their new studio album, "The Sky, The Earth & All Between", on February 28, 2025 via Epitaph Records. Alongside the news, the band have revealed the third single from the project, titled "Whiplash". Produced by Jordan Fish, the track received a "Hottest Record" premiere on BBC Radio 1 earlier today.

True to its name, the track delivers head-spinning intensity, blending heavy instrumentation with stomping rock riffs and furious screams from vocalist Sam Carter. Known for creating massive sonic landscapes, ARCHITECTS once again bring a brutal, circle-pit anthem with "Whiplash", featuring one of their catchiest choruses alongside a bone-crushing metalcore breakdown.

A cinematic video for "Whiplash" shot in Slovenia accompanies the release.

ARCHITECTS drummer Dan Searle says: "We've long admired director 'Specter' for his work with RAMMSTEIN so it was a pleasure to bring him in for this song to create something for us. His visual concept gave life to the words in a unique way that may create more questions than answers, but sometimes that's the beauty in art.

"'Whiplash' marks the beginning of a new era for ARCHITECTS. It is a song that speaks of tribalism, of a deepening chasm that lies between human beings based simply on opinions and beliefs. It gave us the opportunity to explore these concepts in a way that we haven't before and for the first time in a while it gave us fuel to write something truly ferocious."

Sam Carter adds: "We're so happy to be back and to be releasing a song that we love so much, it's us at our very best and we think it'll be a fan favorite."

This will be ARCHITECTS' eleventh studio album, with "Whiplash" delivering an intense fusion of power and stadium-swaying melody, offering a tantalizing preview of what's to come from "The Sky, The Earth & All Between" in the New Year. The band revealed the first single from the album, "Seeing Red" last December and second single, "Curse", in April this year. Both songs collectively have amassed over 70 million streams to date.

Since their last studio album in 2022, the critically acclaimed "The Classic Symptoms Of A Broken Spirit", ARCHITECTS have continued their stratospheric rise, establishing themselves as one of the most important rock bands to emerge from the U.K. They have spent the last 12 months touring extensively, most notably as one of the personally chosen support acts on the METALLICA tour as well as appearances at Louder Than Life, Aftershock, Mayhem, Download and a headline slot at Bloodstock Open Air festival. They have also just announced a handful of dates in support of LINKIN PARK next summer.

"The Sky, The Earth & All Between" track listing:

01. Elegy
02. Whiplash
03. Blackhole
04. Everything Ends
05. Brain Dead (feat. House Of Protection)
06. Evil Eyes
07. Landmines
08. Judgement Day (feat. Amira Elfeky)
09. Broken Mirror
10. Curse
11. Seeing Red
12. Chandelier

Photo credit: Ed Mason